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I I
^.^^•^"^
THE
PLAYS
OF
PHILIP MASSINGEK,
NOTES CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY,
By WILLIAM GIFFORD.
HAUD TAKEN INTIDEA8 TOTA QUBM PULPITA PASCUNT.
THIRD EDITION.
LONDON:
JOHN TEMPLEMAN, 248, REGENT STREET,
JOHN RUSSELL SMITH, 4, OLD COMPTON STREET.
MDCCCXL.
TO THB RIGHT HONOURABLK
CHARLES LONG,
ONE OF THE LORDS OF HIS MAJESTY'S TREASURY,
THIS BDITION
OF
THE WORKS
OF
PHILIP MASSINGER,
18 INSCRIBED
AS A SINCERE TESTIMONY OF RESPECT TO HIS PUBLIC CHARACTER,
AlID OF
ORATITUDE FOR MANY ACTS OF FRIENDSHIP AND PERSONAL KINDNESS,
«r
HIS OBLIOBD AND FAITHFUL SBRVANT,
THE EDITOR.
Hay, 1805.
P R B F A C M.
The present Edition of this admired writer has been published with a design of meeting the
spirit of the age for cheap literature ; and its triumphant success is a gratifying proof of
the manner in which the exertions of the publishers are appreciated. Previous to the
appearance of this volume, the public, owing to the scarcity of former editions, possessed
but a slight acquaintance with the writings of Massinger, and that derived only from occa-
sional notices and extracts in periodicals, and the representation of '' A New Way to
Pay Old Debts/' the only one of his Plays still acted on the stage. In this undertakings
accuracy of text and good critical notes were deemed indispensable ; and the editor had
but to choose between the gross negligence of Coxeter^and the odious vanity of Monk
Mason, on the one hand, and the carefully and accurately edited compilation of Mr. Gifford,
on the other. Never was an author under greater obligations to an editor, than is Massinger
to Gifford. It is true his works had already appeared in a collected form ; but the bungling
inaccuracies^ unwarrantable interpolations, and absurd commentaries, which disfigured
these editions, had rather contributed to involve the author in still deeper obscurity,
than to rescue him from that in which he had originally slumbered.
In his attempt to do justice to his favourite poet, Mr. Gifibrd had many difficulties to
contend against, and no hope of assbtance from the labours of his predecessors. Of a
patient and vigorous cast of mind, his unclouded intellect was the first to form a due esti-
mate of the manly productions of this author ; he sat down to his task as to a labour of
love* and after careful and repeated collations of the text with the original editions, suc-
ceeded in expunging from its pages a mass of stupid criticism and crude innovations,
such as never, perhaps, disfigured the works of any other author. None but those
who are acquainted with the editions referred to, can fully estimate the labours of
this critic, of whose admirable qualifications as an editor, his exertions in favour of this
abused poet will remain a lasting monument. He has been justly called by one who
was himself no common master of the art, *' a giant in literature, in criticism, in poli-
tics, and in morals, and an ornament and an honour to his country and the age in which
he lived."
But for him, these exquisite dramas would be as little known to us as the institu-
tions of the Chinese ; and the redaction of public taste in favour of the productions of
yiii PREFACE.
our early dramatists, so conspicuous at the present day, received its first impulse from
the endeavours of the translator of Juvenal, and the champion of Jonson and Massinger.
A valuable appendage to his labours, are the critical observations subjoined to each Play,
the masterly delineation of Massinger's character, and the general criticism on his
works, furnished by Dr. Ireland, the Dean of Westminster.
There is something interesting in the consideration of this literary partnership ; it
reminds us of the old days of Beaumont and Fletcher, and Fletcher and Massinger, and
Dekker and Greene ; and was not without a pleasing effect upon the feelings of the two
friends. In closing his preface to Jonson, a splendid vindication of that calumniated
poet, Gifford, in allusion to their long uninterrupted friendship, thus writes, ** With what
feelings do I trace the words of the Dean of Westminster. Five and forty springs have
passed over my head since I first found Dr. Ireland, some years my junior, m our httle
school, at his spelling-book. During this long period our friendship ha^ been without a
cloud,— my delight in youth, my pride and consolation in old age." The wiiter of these
affectionate lines has long been an inhabitant of the dark and narrow house ; he died on
the last day of the year 1826, aged 70 ; and the survivor, for whom these tender senti-^
ments were expressed, well stricken in years, is fast hastening to the land where *' the
wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest."
In Sir Walter Scott's Diary appears the following admirable character of Gifford •
** As a commentator he was capital, could he but have suppressed his rancours against
those who had preceded him in the task ; but a misconstruction or misinterpretation, nay
the misplacing of a comma, was in Gifford's eyes a crime worthy of the most severe'
animadversion. This lack of temper probably arose from indifferent health ; for he was
very valetudinary, and realised two verses, wherein he says Fortune assigned him —
" One eye not over good,
Two sides that to their cost bare stood
A ten years' hectic coagb.
Aches, stitches, all the rarious ills
That swell the deyillsh doctors' bills
And sweep poor mortals off."
But he might justly claim, as his gift, the moral qualities expressed in the next fine
stanza —
'A soul
That spurns the crowds* malign control,
A firm contempt of wrong ;
Spirits above affliction's power,
And skill to soothe the lingering hour
With no inglorious song."
The rigour, with which the derelictions of his predecessors were visited, above
alluded to, is displayed in an uncommon degree in the work before us; and four
PREFACE.
years after its first appearance in 1805, the Edinburgh Reviewers," losing their sense of
the cciminars guilt in dislike of the savage pleasure which the executioner seemed to
take in inflicting the punishment," appeared as the champions of Monk Mason and
Coxeter, and had the hardihood to attack not only the judgment but even the accuracy
of Gififord.
In his second edition of 1 8 1 3, the abused commentator turned upon his foes, and in a pre-
face, powerful and energetic, successfully defended himself from their aspersions; with regard
to the charge of inaccuracy, he justly says, — ** I did not expect this. I will take upon me
to assert, that a more perfect text of an old poet never issued from the English press. It
I was revised in the first instance with a care of which there is scarcely an example ; and a
subsequent examination enables me to speak with a degree of positiveness on the subject,
which sets all fear of contradiction at defiance." An accusation, such as the above,
could only have been made by those who had never looked into Coxeter and Monk
Mason *s editions, or had never consulted the old copies. From internal evidence, it
appears that all that these reviewers knew of Massinger and his editors, was learned
from the very *• Introduction" whose accuracy they pretended to impeach.
It has been the fate of Massinger to have been generally but imperfectly understood
or appreciated by the lovers of the Drama ; while to Jonson, and Beaumont and Fletcher^
have been assigned the place nearest to Shakspeare in the scale of superiority, he has
scarcely ever been mentioned but as a writer of inferior merit. Although far from con-
curring in the opinion of GifFord, which would reduce Shakspeare to the level of his
contemporaries, it appears to us that singular injustice has been done to this harmonious
poet. Hazlitt, whose genius revelled in the more glowing conceptions of the Swan of
Avon, has pronounced this harsh sentence on Massinger : — " Massinger makes an
impression by hardness and repulsiveness of manner. In the intellectual processes which I
he delights to describe, ' reason panders will ;' he fixes arbitrarily on some object ;
which there is no motive to pursue, or every motive combined against it, and then, by |
screwing up his heroes and heroines to the deliberate and blind accomplishment of this, |
thinks to arrive at ' the true pathos and sublime of life.' That is not the way. He ;
seldom touches the heart or kindles the fancy." Did Mr. Hazlitt forget the speech of I
Sforza before the Emperor in " The Duke of Milan," that noble picture of a good man |
buffetting with adversity; or the pathos of "The Fatal Dowry;" the fine character of ■
Pisander in " The Bondman ;" the interview between Don John Antonio, disguised as a
slave, and his mistress, in " A Very Woman ;" or those splendid conceptions, Luke and ,
Sir Giles Overreach, in " The City Madam," and " A New Way to Pay Old Debts" ? I
Our respect for Hazlitt, as a critic, is great ; but we certainly cannot assent to his low <
estimate of Massinger. Schlegel, who bestows so much elaborate and philosophical criti- I
dsra upon his contemporaries, dismisses the merits of this writer in a few lines, conspicuous
neither for justice nor an intimate acquaintance with the writings he professes to criticize*
The late Charles Lamb was one of the first to direct the public attention to the works of
this and other of our neglected dramatists ; and it has been admirably observed by a late
writer in the " Quarterly Review," that Lamb's Essays and Gifford's editions have most
powerfully contributed to disseminate a kno-^^ledge of the manly and vigorous writers of the
PREFACE.
Elizabethan age. In the year 1786 an elegant essay on the dramatic writings of Mas-
•inger by Dr. Ferriar, appeared in the third volume of the " Manchester Transactions,"
and was afterwards, with permission of the author, reprinted by Gifford at the close of his
mtroduction. In this pleasing performance the plays of Massinger are philosophically
analysed ; and the cause of the general neglect of our old dramatists is ingeniously attri-
buted to their too frequent delineation of perishable manners.
In his closing notice of Massinger, Dr. Ireland feelingly observes, *' It is truly sur-
prising that the genius which produced these Plays should have obtained so little notice
from the world ;" and Hallam, the critic who next to Gifford displays the most profound
' knowledge of his writings, and the fullest appreciation of his genius, does not hesitate to
! place him as a tragic writer second only to Shakspeare, and in the lighter comedy scarcely
inferior to Jonson. Any comparison of Massinger to Shakspeare would be invidious ; but j
i though second to that great writer in the vastness and variety of his conceptions, he may
I certainly take the lead of those who have hitherto been considered his superiors. His in-
' vention is as fertile, and his management of his plots as ingenious, as those of Beaumont and
Fletcher; while the poetry of his language, the knowledge of human nature, and the fine
' development of the passions displayed in his Tragedies, can only be surpassed by the great
master himself. By Ben Jonson he is excelled in the studied exactness and classical
polish of his style ; but in the freezing coldness of this writer he is deficient. The charm
, of his Plays consists in the versatility of his imagination, and the fine bursts of pathos
I which embellish his tender scenes. In his female characters he is particularly happy ;
I and while proclaiming our veneration for Juliet, Desdemona, or Cordelia, we should
not heedlessly overlook the graces of Dorothea*, Theocrinef, Matilda|, Camiola§, |
and Pulcheria||.
Massinger was the last of his tribe — ultimus Romanorum. With him expired the dra- '
matic genius of this country. In the anarchy which followed the outbreak of the civil
war, the stage was neglected, and the emasculated school of dramatic poetry, subse-
quently founded by Dryden and his followers, can never bear comparison with the '
productions of the vigorous intellects of the Elizabethan era. Since that period many
unsuccessful attempts have been made to revive the drama ; and though many have
appeared bearing an outward resemblance to our old plays, yet that true dramatic
essence, which can only flourish in a soil uncomipted by ultra refinement, is evidently j
wanting. I
* ViripQ Martyr, f Unnatural Combat, t Basbful Lover. $ Maid of Honour. H Emperor of the Eaat
INTRODUCTION,
Fnttr Hauinoir, the lotlior of the following
riirc, vrna bora in the veiir \bS4, Of his mother
nothiDfi^ is koown ^ but hia father was Arthur iSIat-
\^m§vt*f 1 geutknaan attached to the fa mil 7 of
lliviirj leoood £arl of Pembroke : ** Many jears/*
T«Bf« the potrt, to his deteeadant, Philip Earl of
Mont^omerj, "my father spent in the service of
your honourable boase. and died a servant to it. "
The whters of Massisger s life have thought it
sesaary to obterro in this place, that the word
TSAt carries with it no sende of degradation.
Tbii rvqiiirB«no proof: at a ptsnod when the great
lord* and officen of the court numbered inferior
Doblas anioog their followers, we may be con fid en t
that oettber the oaine nor the situation was looked
VpOO as htiiniljating. Maoj considerations united to
fimdtr thu state of dependaoce respectable, and
•f «n honourable. 1 he aecretaries, clerks, and assist*
Miti. of rsrioos departmeots, were not then, aa now,
BOAinated by the Government; but left to the
fbolee of the person who held the employment -,
med tm no particular dwe]lmg was officially set
nfor ibeu residence, they were entertained in
(HUC af their principal.
Tliat communicatioo, Loo, between Qohlemen of
power and trust, both of a public and private nature,
which la now oomtuitted to the post, wss^ in those
dava, managed by confidentiul servants, who were
dispalcbed froni one to the other, and even to the
•oTeretgat: when to this we add the uaboitnded
• illf/i9f%ft fraw Arfhar UtttMHrt^,] •' I cnnnut gne'n/*
D«4t«* Mi>f* '^lyofti wb«t tniur milt ton OII()y»« in hl» iiiittiii'
at*ipt m«Hir» iU» L»nig,bmijnn, give* tlir ChriMiAa usiive of
4irfJMr 10 MMmimarf'9 f»lli«rt nor wbv ht ehuulil rrproach
Wci«4 lor «iUl«f Moi PTilUfi ; •!
i||»co M<iMinm*r liiiiim II. Ill
..I VI. .,,1-
cJi-
TVi* ftvMmiMirf olMrrvAlloii iiigrifi but 111 fur the secN-
faej "t iiii:.ii! tp..J5,.^» UI1I1. «lii. %^ !• < srrv careful ttrriler,
mai 1 1 ■ Djtviei uevur
§int I i'Uii|i»; iHtk tliat it tiul iK^
eel J hUK a* well >■ the VUy it-
f 4» iii*utui* ' wltb iT9pect to M«»»inc«r*i
lUUrr, wle «** il> EllK«brth : " Mr. MftMtui;«r
(i IHF^H M-inr- . I -r rtinbfuk.' viilh IrlttT?
ftft V' V ihit St.
O**-' - lie I[w4r«r
of !• I - :., pfrhapi
iutyn^t*m, umUI, M I>AvU.« ju«Ul> utittcr\£t| bene
State and grandeur which the great men of Elisa*
beth's days assumed on a variety of occasions, we
may form some idea of the nature of those services
discharged by men of birth and fortune, and the
manner in which such numbers of them were eni'
ployed.
Maasinger was bom, «s all tie writers of Lis life
agree, at Saltsboryt probably at Wilton, the seat of
the Earl of Pembroke, in whose family he appears
to hare been educated, Wben he rencbed his six-
teenth year, he sustained an irreparable loss in the
death of that worthy nob!«-mEiM*^ who, from attach'
ment to the father, would, not improbably, have
extended his powerful patronage to tbw young poet.
He was succeeded in his titles and estates by his
son William, tlie third Karl of Pembroke ; one of the
brightest cbaractera that adorned the court of Eliza-
beth and James, *' He was," says Wood, "not
only n great favourer of learned and ingenious men,
but was htmielf learned, and endowed to admiration
with a poetical geny, aa by those amorous and
poetical aires iptl poems of hia composition doth
evidently appear ; some of which had musical notes
set to ttiotn by Hen. Lawes and JSich. Laoeare,"
Alh. I. :rht.
Massinger's fatl»er continued in the service of
this nobleman till his de-ath. It is not possible to
iiHcertoin the precise period at which tins took place,
but it WiLS not later, perhaps, than lt306 : in the
interim he Imd bestowed^ aa Laogbaine says, a
libera} education on hia eon, and seat him to the
University of Oxford, where he became a com-
moner of St. Alban's Halt (160'^), in the eighteenth
year of hb age, W^ood's account varies trom this
in several particulars, lie says, he was entered
at St. Alban'a Hall in IdOl, when he was in hit
seventeenth year, ond supported tliere, not by hia
^tber, hut the £arl of Pembroke, Antony had
Diean penon : Air do moaanJi ever cxncitA fnita Ibc eobi-
tlly In Kcnvrati sad the fiOJicen of »uiv iu punlcuiu, • more
t\^k\ «tu1 •cfHp'iiWoa ooffipUaiice to ttateJ order, lb4a ihJs
* Heath tif that vmfkf moMeman.] ThJa twik plscc on
Uie hiib ot JinMury, 1601. It is tmpoi»lb1« to ipcak or bim
wktIi'Mit meiitiiinliigr at the •anic time, that be wit tliv bui-
bdiul of Sir iMiilip Si^lnty'i titter, tW all-accotiipLUbed Lsdf
tor wboiD Ji>ii»<4.>ii wruttf the cc-libratrd epitaph;
** 1,'iiflerDr'alli tlu«i inarble herfe,
Lie I Ihc »nbject nf all veru,
BJidn«y'* titter, Pembroke'* nioihtrrj
D'cath, Rr« thou batt stiiln niioibL-r,
Lcarti'i), and fair, aivd g*^ ai *be,
Tlin* *hiU tkrow a dart at Ctefu"
ixiaay opportuDm^e for tscertBiiting theae tmin, if he
bad deBir<*<i to amil liims«lf of th«in» and therefor*
Dariefl inclines to liia authoritv. The seeming dif-
feren?©, be iidds. bertwecn ibe two period § resi>oct*
irely masigned for Ma<i.iiingt<r'9 malriculAfioa, mny
be eatit^ recmcilfd, for the year then began and
ended according to dmi mode which took place be-
fore the alteration of the style. 1 1 is aetdom safe
to apeak hv guess, and Da vies had no autboritj for
his inf^nfous solution ; i^kich ufifortunately will
not Apply in the prraeut case. The tBerooraoduixi
of Maisinger's entrance now lies before me, and
proves Wood to be incorrect; it i$ dated May 14,
I6(>t\ tJow he came to mitilake io a matter where
it required so liltle pains to be accurate^ is ttiffioult
to aay.
Lau^bfline and Wood agree 1q the time MasMn^eT
spent at Oxford, hut differ as to the objects of hie
pursuit. The fbrmer ohHerves, that during his
residence there he appHed himself closely to his
studies ; while the latter iiTites, that he '♦ ga^e his
m'md more to poetry and romances for about four jeare
or more, than to lo^icaud philosophj, which h* ought
10 httit done, as be was patronized to that end/*
What ideai this tasteless but uaeful drudge hart of
logic and philosophy it may be vain to enquire » hut,
with T»»9j>ect to the first, I^taaiiinger'a reasoning will
not be found de^cient either in method or effeet ;
and it mig^bt ea%iily bfi proved that he was no meuQ
prolicioDl in philosophy of the noblest kind ; ihe
truth is, that he must have applied himself to study
frith uncommon energy j for his literary act^u'isitiona
■I this ^arly period Appear to be multtfarioua and
eateusive.
From the account of Wood, however, DaTies
concludes that the Earl of Pembroke was offended
at this misapplication of his time to the auiierficial
but allunng pursuits of poetry and romance, ond
therefore withdrew his support, which compelled
the young man to quit the University without a do-
gree-j *' for which/' adds he, " attention to logic tud
philosophy waa absotutfely necessary ; as the eandl-
date for that honour must pass through an examitia-
tioQ in both, before be can obtain h. Dam te pata
dn av^ugUt, sava the proverb, Ui tiorgnet iont rmt :
and Daries, who apparently had not tht^ae vatuublu
acquisitions, entertained probably a vai^t idea of
their mngnitude and importance, A ihorter period,
however, tbtiu four yours, would be found ojnply
auflicient to furnish even un ordinary mind wirb
enough of school logic and pbilosupliy* lu puss the
i-'xainiuatian fur a bacholor's degree; and 1 nm,
therefore, unwillmg to believe that Mas&inger
mi^aed it on the score of incapacity iu tht*ae notable
arts.
However this may be, he certainly leil the Uni-
versity abruptly ; nolj 1 appfehend, on account of
the Karl of Pembroke withholdini^ hia assistance^ for
U does not appear that he ever aflorded any* but of a
much more calamitous event, the death of his ftk*
tber i from whom, I incline to think with Lang*
baine, hia sole support was derived.
Why the Earl of Pembroke, the liberal friend
and protector of literature in all its braocheaf, ne-
t To Vy.
"piitlcmaii : " rhilip Mm-
.>nniier Ijrother Pbtlip)
^jii cdi^oD of ShAkipcarc't
glected a younjE^ man to whom bis assistance ^as so
opcesaary, and who, from the acknowledged {services
of his father, had so many and just claims on it ;
too, who would have done bia patron ag** such sing
houour, I have no means of ascertaining ; that hei
never indebted to it ig, I fear, indisputable, since the
poet, of whose character gratitude forms a striking
part, while he recurs perpetually to bi:!i berediCiiry
obligatiooa to the Herbert family, aniiuusly avoids
all mention of his name. I somerimcs, indeed,
imagine that I have discovered the cause of thii
alienation, hut cannot flatter myself that it will bo
very generally or evt n partially allowed: not to
keep the reader in suffpense, 1 attribute it to the
poet's having, during hi.i residence at the L'uiver*
eity. exchanged the religion of hia father, for one,
at this time the object of persecution, hatred, and
terror. A close and repeated peruaai of Mna^inger'a
woiks has convinced me that he was a CalliolJc
••The Virgin -Martyr,*" "Ibe Renegade,'* "The
Maid of IJonour,*' exhibit innumerable proofs of it|
to say nothing of those casual intimations that are
scattered over bis remaining dramas : n consciousness
of this mij^ht prevent htm from applying; to the Earl
of Pembroke for asiistance, or a kuowJrdge of it
might determine that ooblt»moo to vrithhold bis
hand : for it is didicult to believe th^it bin displea-
sure (if he really entertained any) could arise from
Massinger's attachment to an art of which he and
his brother* were univer«ally considered as the
patrons, and which, indeed, he himst»If rullivatcd,
with a<^aiduity at least, if not with ancces&t.
However this be. the period of Masain^jcr'a mis-
fortunes commtncod with his arrival in London*
His fulher had probkibly applied most of bis property
to the education of his son ; and whr^n the amall
remainiler was exhausted, he was driven (as he
more than once observes) by his ncoessitii**, and
some w hut inclined, [>erhaps, by the pecutiur brnt of
his talenU^ to dedicate hioi^el/ to tiie service of the
stage.
This expedient, though not the most prudent,
nor, indeed, tlie most encouraging to & young ad-
venturer, was not altogether hDpci'lr"iS. JMun who
will ev'er bo considered as the pride and boaat of
their couniry, Shttkspeare, Johnson, and Fletcher^
were solely, or in a considerable degree, deriendeo ton
it : nor were there others wanting of an inferior rank,
such as Rowley, Middleton, Field, Decker, Shirley,
atid Ford ; writers to whom MnRsinger^ without
liny mipeiubmput of his modesty, might consider
hiuiselt aa fully et^ual, who ttubsisted ou the emolu-
meats derived from dramatic wntiog. There wh^
Pl«jr*; tt» Khiii nUo, Juiituri ln5cnbi.() )m E|jieriii7i«, '*«i» ihr
cre^t exum^itc m liouutir unti vhtue,*' Jin ifit-.i ou wlikh liw
t'Oturged lu oiif or hU mini if pn«iii>. fi i* LvinUor th«l I
^u* (tUle cuitUiitUy t)<t*^«fii Juu»or^ uiiiLoiir Aiitbur;
fuiiiicr cuuld bear iiu rival ru'iii i1>i' ihionc :
•— — HHttquam partitur am^t^uw,
Xofn4 hn (ffl ;
yft If wunM be »jnl«i't to *etM*i'
itoltf- ^* -■' ' --■ '" ■"•■- -
• I
W»* <U-U. -M ,,, -.
f lu loot) M49
puelicjil «Lr« uihI >
iille: Poem9 H-rUu.; ;,
frnftny q/ ir/ticA ar«nnii'!-
Bmj. Uudtfttrti, ti'Hh i)i>.'
tiOHaUl/ oHii apart.*' Ailn.
frvf>ii to vntpeei Mm of
- ' '' f^r^'l rnriid, OO OQ
M«;1rlicr*» PUys
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Ai
IfrJTRODUCTION.
if
iUo •otDtfthing to tempt tbe ambitJon. or, iT it most
jb* BO» lb« vntiiry, of a yoang adventurer m this pur-
utt : liu^rature wm tbe folf» zDeans by wbicb a per-
mrdisuoguisbed hj birtb and fortaoe couId»
tihii ttBMF, hope to •oquifQ tbe fKiitilimrity, or
ilMl^ frieodshipf of tbe great ; aud of all its
a<oiii« wat so faToumbly rfcetfedj, or ao
fi^*n}It encouraged, aa that of the drama. Tilta
•ad cmiroaioeiita, the boiateroua but magaificeat
of tbe eourt, together with pageant-
I pfoc^askma, tbe absurd and costly mum-
of the city, were rapidly giving way to
•lagant and mtionul amua«m«nts. to re-
vets, Bsaaka. and plays r oor were the tatter
naeiely eaeounij^ed by tbe presence of the nobility ;
th* writara of them were adopted into the number
irf'tbftir arqoaiotance, and made at once the objects
irf flieir bounty and esteem. It is f^raiifying to
obaerre bow the names of Shakspeare, jonsonp
&Cr ara €ome down to us in connection with
j dif SidD«ya« the Pembrokea, tbe Southaroptona, and
|k#eb«r great and splendid oroamenta of the courta of
B^sabctb and James.
ff ConaidaraCioas of tbia or a similar kind may na-
tef«llT ba soppofled to have bad their weight with
Maiiinp i ^ aa with so many others : but wh.'itever
WM lb* ttoCiTe, Wood informs us» that *' heing
MlfieicDtlY fiuned for Bevera] apecimena of wit, he
baUM^k btmaalf to making plays.** Of what
dcaeriptbo tbese specimetis were, Antony doBB not
jbf probably spoke without much examinatiou
aobject for wbieb be had little relUb or soU-
_ ; and. indeed, it seams more reasonable to
Inda, from tbe peculiar nature of Massinger's
kCa, that the drama was bis first and sole pur-
It must appear sin^lar, after wlist has been ob-
•crretl, that with only one exception we should hear
DOtbiof^ of !VIa««ioger for the long period of sixteeti
y«arc. that is, from bis first appearance in London,
ji^ip^ to I62it when his "Virgin Alartjr," the first
uf fiia printed worka, was given to the pubMo.
Ihrnt bia tMeeasitiea would not admit of relnxation in
kkm mSertm for subalateoce, ia certaia ; and we have
€f a contemporary poet, as preserred
I, for tbe rapidity with which he usually
BbalEaspMre, Maasinger^ that knows
V of plol, to write in verse and prose,
Pegaaua will amble o'er
liles of fancy in a hour."
Tbe baal solution of the difficulty which occurs
l»»e,ls»tbat tba poet's modenty, c^^tmhined with
tSm m^ivaey of his wnnta, detem^d him, at firstj
h%m MMfliptJQg to write alone : and that be, tfaere-
Isf*. IsKt bia aasistince to others of a more con-
iilail mtitition, who could depend on a ready
aanl Ibr tbfiir joint productionSr When men labour
for iba dttnaoda of tbe day, it is imprudent to leare
lo baaard ; aocb cartaioly was tba case with
tfjLT Attton Cockayne, the affectionate friend and
paetJtm of our author, printed a collt^ction of, whnt
Wm m pleased to call. Poems, Epigrams, hc^ m
1656. Among tbese, is one addrrssed to llum^
Moftalay« the publisher of Beaumont and
T ia ffOio :
-J the larya book of plsTs you late did print
1ft Beeamoiit and in Fletcher's name, wby in't
Did you not justice give ; to each bis dao i
For (ieiiumont of those nmny writ but few :
And Mauhtger in other few; the main
JBeing sweet issues of sweet Fletcher's brain.
But how came I, you ask, so much to know T
Fletcher's chief bosom friend informed me so/'
Davies, for what reason I onnnot discover^ se^ma
ioctined to dispute that part of tlie assertion which
relates to Massinger : be calls tt Tsgue and hearsay
evidence, and adds, with sufficient want of preci-
sion, " Sir Aston was well acquainted with Mas*
singer, who would, in nil probubility, have coin*
municuted to his friend a circumstance so honourable
to himself." There can he no doubt of it; and we
may be cnnfideDt that the infomiaiion t/td come from
him; hut Mr. Dovies mistakes tbe drift of Sir
Aston's expostulation : the fact was notorious, that
Beaumont and Massinger bad written iti conjunction
with Fletclier ; what he complains of is, that the
main, the bulk of tbe book, should not be attributed
to tbe latter, by whom it was undoubtHdly composed,
Beaiumont died in 16l5, and Fletcher produced in
the iuteri^al between tbat year ond tbe period of his
own dt^atb (lOS.'^), between thirty and forty plays:
it is not, therefore^ unreasooable to suppose that be
was aasiated io ajtw of them by Massinger, as Sir
Aston affirms : it happens, howerer, that tbe fact
doots not mst solely on his testimony ; for we can
produce a melancholy proof of it, from an authentic
voucher, which the enquiries set on foot by tbe un-
wearied assiduity of Mr. Malone have occasioned
to be dragged from the dust of Dulwich College:
" To our most loving friend, Mr. Philip Hiacblow«
esquire, These,
" Mr. Hi nc blow,
" You understand otir unfortunate extremitie, and
I doe not tliincke you so void of Cri^tiDniiie but
that you would throw so much money into the
Thames as wee request now of you, rather than en-
daoger so many innocent lives. You know there is
xi. more at least to be receaved of you for the play.
We deaire you to lend us v/, of that ; which shall
be allowed to you, without which we cannot be
bayled, nor I f) /ay any mart till this be dispatch 'd.
It will lose vou XX ^ ere tbe end of the next weeke,
besides the litnderance of tbe next new play* Pray,
air, consider our cases witb humanity, and now give
us cause to acknowledge you our true friend in time
of oeede. Wee hare entreated Mr. Davison to de-
liver tbia note, as well to witnots your love aa oor
promisea, and atwayea acknowled|^ement to be ever
*' Your most tbanckfuU and loviog friends,
*' Nat FiJSLn*"
"Tba money shall be abated out of the money
remayns for f/« piai^ of Mr. FUtcher and oun,
" Rob. DADonNE*."
" I have ever found you a true loving friend lo
mee, and in aoe amall a suite, it beeinge honest, 1
hope you will not fail us.
" Philip Massikoxk "
• Ufbtrt I>*Uiriti! It ili*aiillM>roflw*> ?»•>»," The ChriHUa
Ttirnvtl Tntkt" 4li>, (613, and "The Pour M^n'* Comfwirt/' 4to,
mny He WHS a ttentltinAD of b liberal «<l«Mtii>rj, m4»lt r ut
ji«», «iMi io hoiyonler*. His huinbk forlanci ^ppc^r to have
t«»Hrov«J after Uiks period, for Ibere h extmt a •ermoa
pn^Ailitfl by dim Hi W*!crtiud lu Irrland^ li5 Iti, where lite
«nilMM* fif flic '* BlogripUia I>r«iiiutk«" itiiuk it pi liable that
he hafls Uvldg.
MXt
INTRODUCTION.
*' Indaned :
*' Received by mee Robert D«viioii, ot Mr.
lltQctilow, for the ua« of Mr, Daboerue, Mr. TeM,
Mr. MeaMo^er, Uio lum of vL
*'R0B.DAri!»0K«/'
Thu letter trip«rttte, whicb it ia impostible to
ntd witbout ibe most poignant regret at tbeUUtress
of eucb men, fully establuhts tbe partnpTAhtp
between Maaainger and Fletcher, wbo must, indeed,
bare bad oontiderabLe asaiitanco to ennble him to
taring forward tb« numeroua plays attributed to bis
name.
We con now account for a part of Ihe time wbicb
Maaiinger fp«Qt in London before im appearance
in print as a profeaaed vrriter for the atoge : but tbts
ia not all. Among the manuscript playa collected
with auch care by Mr. Warburton (Somerset He-
rald) and applied with aucb persevemnce by his
cook to the covering of bia pies, were no leas than
iwelre aaid to be written by IVIasaingert ; and
though it is now made probable that two of the
number do not belong to him, yet scattered notioesi
of others which assuredly do, prove that be was not
inactive*
• AddiHont la Matom't HiMtorkul Account ^th§ Kng-
t Nobfu than rwtfto»» &&] Their tlllct. «ssivcn by Mr.
Warlnirtoii. are —
Mimfrvo'B JtacrijSce,
itwISMid ami Vafia,
Th* ITtffiMM't Pt0t.
Th9 T'prant,
PhiUn*0 tutd Bippotim-
The Judge.
Beiifp* n§gou LUt.
Thr fivnaur t^f Womvn*
Tke Sable Chuic*. Ai»*t,
The Parliatatni of Lope,
Whrtt it Ii «cid«d th^i, to^iibvr with llic»*, forly other
mAunaciipt pla>a f>f VAttou» miMixr* ^i'%* (Jc»trny«(t, U wUI
iftfiUly be iillowcd that Enj^lii^h litomlarv hu »eMum vm-
twihctt a greater low tti«D t>) tbe ilranj^e ciinducl of Mr,
Wiubiinoti^ wbO| Ix'cotiiing the ma»tor of tftftioref nliicb
a»f* itiqy not re protface, /o(//v« Mffm» nt. he !«} «, m ih« hand*
tffam ignorant mrvant. ^lut wh+n, *fifT n Upte of >'v>n. he
(xknd[i»«f#iv1« to rt-vinii hi& bi-aiiJA, iioda that thej have been
bi- - > ■' n eco'iiomjical wiih to A«ve btm tbn- charge'* of
*< liriotvu p«per( It U lime to bring od »ht,ire
f I if»E pai»cn|;cr| In Locher't '* Navti otnllifen/*
«u^h i><.ii4ni^v Jaun for one roore uiluhle to tbe rc*t vf the
cam.
Tardi
ninly. however, «■ Mr. W«rhiirt«n w»». It Mppcart lh»t
Iwesiiic to time ta preserve three drtnuii frotn the ECDeral
wreck:
Th* :fwon4 Maid'» Tr^fit/dg^
Th4 Hugbean. And.
T7t0 (/Mtm tif ('**r»icn.
Thaae.U it Mid, ure now i>t tb^- Hhniry *f the MtrqiiUof
L»^^fcJowlH^ \W., (i tl.- v i,>i)l i>r.j>4bl> reinnio \n Mfrt^, till
>• '' tbt-Lr 'Vror|{ult«ii (Sa>t"
■ > i>c ^4ai.<J Lit^uud ibc- rc^rh ii
V ' from Uie prcM wJU Ik- nlUi^i
r: ;• rvuci' !«► tSif ^injoit lis.r.itiirr i.|
TUi: i.n, lin\^. ..^, .
lnjid» »iiJ>«rTt' lii !
Hiiioiirt^r; i» i- I'.i i
rllber lo the Liru|]iic(oi3 if '.'Lljtr!, Jimi iji.jiiu:n:JHjU 4it uuw
lionnJcd^ bultlijit A ur H ttiiy br rt'lrbrnterl for pt>Me»«lnt;
H'hit da other leller of the alpb«ticT cini bopc t" ifiH;niM-,
Kor It thli aJl, Tb« hitcfui ptMioo of Uier«ry mvirice (4
' oC vanity aod cfivy) b t>ecoaikos epidemic^ and
t .ft^rm fwmfiitf iwc pwinam cothdm .„,
CaUw9 mte wrAttjM. me Ubri tniitv mmtem,
Attamen in waono p*r oie icmuter lioauas*
Fowr only of the plays named in Mr, Warburton *f
list occur in the OflBce-book of Sir Henry Herhert,
wliich is continued ttp to the latest period of Mas-
smger's life : it is, therefore.Jevident that they must
have been written previoua to its cororapncement;
thcae. iberefore, with *'The Old Law/' »* T^rts
Viffjin ftlartyr," '* The II n natural Combat," and
*' The DuVe of IVIi^an/" wbicb are also unnoticed in
it» will suSicientiv fill up tbe time till U^t,
There are no Jam to aacertatn the respectire pe-
rioda at which these plays were produced. *' Tbe
Virgin Martyr" ia con6deniW mentioned by the
former editors as tbe earliest of IMasaioger'a works,
probably because it was tlie first that appeared in
print : but this drama, which they ha^e considerably
under-rated, in conscL)oi>nce, perhaps, of the dull
ribaldry with which it is vitiated by Docker, evinces
a atyle decidedly formed, a band accustomed to com-
position, and a mind stored with the richest acqui-
aitions of a long tind successful study.
" Thu Old Law," which was not printed till
many years after Massin^er's death, is aaid to bave
been wiilton by him in conjunction with I^liddletoo
and Rowley*. The latter of these is ranked by tbe
author of **The Compamon lo the Pbv House^'* in
ihe third class of dramntic writers , Ligher, it ia
impossible to plnce him : but die former was •
man of considerable powers, who has lately been
the obj*»ct of much atscuasion, on account of the
liberal use Shakspeare ia supposed to have made
of his recently discovered tragi-comedy of '• The
Witch*."
It is said, by Steerens, that " The Old Law" wai
acted in 1559. If it be really so. Mussinger's name
must, in future, be erased from the title-page of
that play, for he was, at that datOj only in the fif«
branch tng oul iii evvry clir«ction. It h»» mAtty of the vrorM
tyitipiitriis of that ittadoraa which once TAgv^l ^moi^g the
I>ulcb (or the poMt^Mtofi of iiitipt; — here, as v*cll n* In HoU
Unci, «ti ariiari^t rAfiiy li firii created, tod thru made a
pica for extortion or a crooad for Ium tnlndtfd aod vcin^ti
exttlUlion. I >pcal£ not of worka never iiilenilcti fur wle,
and df will I < , tbe ovriier niny print »» few or M
man;;^ a» i ill allow; but of tbovcwlilich ar« a*>
leaaibly <i in- |iijblic,aiMl wbicb, nottiitbstandtn^,
prove Ihc feiUir* lo i.ihcMir miJvr thii odiim* dli«aae. Here
ait old maim^rripi iBhroa^hl forwanl, and after a few 'opki
•re printed, the pres* Ls broker) op, ihal there ma> be a pre*
tence for tc^UlDg ibcni at a prict' which nODC but a ruUrctor
caarcich: there, explanatory phirt are t'nfravrd for a
work of geocral dm.', mid, mb vuon ae twenty or tbtrty |tn«
prcftloni ara taken off, ilcitrojrtl with {r.iinttou> tnAltce
^ror it ilr«rve» nu other name), that there w*y ht a mad
comfuvtktion for tbe fa von rod coplen 1 T*> roin-tMdr, forthh
ti bo pteaiant subject. t>tiok» are t*tn ' ! >Mi»a-
gant ratrt; tiol b1^r«4l«r Ibry are v ^ nrv
aearccr ; *<^ tiMt n ftr»-, ".r »n ••nirr|, ■ . ittut
•houhltnk ■' i .- . K , ,, ^^,_„K, woald
jiii*lanr1> iMjiblv.
• " Til' ! no the tiatlttttera*
>n of »urli a work, to Uie ktylc and
iicknowltdg'cd pvrformaBcca besr ntH
t U wDukl tie unjjuit to mention thia manuvrript Fla|r,
wilboQt notlrtng, Mt Ihe Minv titne* tht •IHtkluE contrtal
%ibidt lh» ciuhlui^t
Hith that of tho#e all
Wlrch," fn»iii the -
Utvrary e«iriit»i(y *>* Ihi
it at hif oHTi eipcnACt jiuI, n»ib .■
move ■dft)jir(«r« thjin iniitati>r«, |l^>
copietainoDg hii frteada. It i« thu-
Oifac^idejil.
\j,
Hrrdj. foima
•fv. " The
'Wt wa» a
^n^
INTRODUCTION
%nt
t*«otb fear of bb «|9. md probably bid noit \«h
«ud)onty for h» aswrtion ; but u he do«t not
UftJillv vrrite at nmdom. it is entiili^d to nciiire. In
A^, 1 1 r •strej)© I, of that plaVr ia which llie clovrn
1^ churcb-book on tbe ag« of bis wife, the
, aod commenu upon it tb«« i — " Agitb«,
U*4» d*u|cla«r of Pollux, bora in mo. 1540, &nd how
*tu 1599.'^ Thfl observfttioQ of Sreerens is, pro-
b«bly, founded upon tbii passage (at teaat I am
mwmn of no otber), and it will not, perfaapa, be aaay
to conjecture why tbe autbon aboald fix upon tbiis
particular jear, unleaa it really w«re the curreot
oa«. It ii to no purpose to objt^ct that the scene is
laid in a distant countr}', and the period of action
ii«*cB$!^arily remote, for the dramatic writers of those
t unded all climea and all ag«a with a fa-
wonderfuL On tbe whole, I am iooUned
If tbe greftter part of " Tbe Old l,aw" to
k^lhJdlefon and Rowley: it baa not many cbunic-
l|pn*tic tmifs of Masainger. and tbe style, with tbe
iacepttoo of a few places, which are pointed out by
tVr. Ireland, it Tery unlike tbat of hia acknowledged
lliiifcea,
I f I ia by no meaos improbable tbat Majsinger, an
fintbor in high rapoltf waa employed by tbe actora
to alter or to add a few icenej to a popular dTama*
~ tbit hia pre ten lions to tbis partnertbip of wit
irere thus reeogniMd and eatsbtbhed, A proeeaa
|1ik« this WW coniooajit to the maoaers of the age,
wben tbe playera» who were usually the proprietora,
exerted, and oot unfrequently abused, the pnrilege
of interlarding aucb pieces as were once ir» vogue,
from Ltme to time, with new matter*. Wbo will
say tljAt ^hakipeare'e claims to mnny dramas wbicb
furmerly paued uuder hia name, and probubly with
no intent, on tbe part of tbe puhli&hers. to deceive,
b«d not this or a auniUr foundation i
What has been said of '*The Virgin Martyr,"
■pnliea with eqo&l, perhaps with greater force, to
'• 'llie Unnatural Combat" and *' The Duke of
Milan," of which the style is easy. Tigorous, and
barmonious, bespeaking a confirmed habit of com*
position, and serving, with tbe rest, to prove that
Masaincer began to write for the stage at an earlier
period than bas been hitherto supposed.
Ma»singbr appears for the first time m the ofl)ce-
book of the Alasterof the Rerels, Dec. 3, I6'i5^ on
wbicb day his play of " Tbe Boodmnn** wait brought
forward. About this time, too^ he printed " 1 be
fluke of Mits»,'* with a short deiiicaUon to Lady
Kaihitntie Stanbopef ; in which he speaks with
A *""> cnrj.iu' ti<«t*hC< i'flhi"
cntn In il^ OfIl<-fr*BcMtk
litT tbe addini of «
rhli 7 lb iif Jol>, IA/4,
I rfiM>»th bffyri?
■rnff Mrlilch WjIi
' .Tf'jieiU in the
tM «« Ihr JOJIM Jirpi.hit!!,.
^^^«.M 'iftf Stanhopf ;] H«it|^titcT 0I Frsnrlf Lord
nMff^n;^*. »'U rir«i wife of I'MUp KtJU»b«p«;, Unttsifi of Sbcl-
'fdrrlf and sitoniimla <161») EatI of CJbeslrrfldd, a nobleinui
• TbU wai Sir Heary*# fe*; for UiU mean aud rapacUiot
e>v«>*e«f aol oal| iiMi«(td oo b«iDt P'id for «llovirliif a ucw
Pi«l . bet far t^mtj trUkiog Mklltioa wUcb mislit labscqtteutly
b« wade ce IL
pe«t modesty of his course of studiea , to wbloh he
msinuates (what he more than oooe repeats in his
subsequent publications), misfortune rather than
choice had determined him.
In 1624. be published **Tbe Bondman." and d»*
dicat^d it to Philip Earl of Montgomery, whn heiug
5 resent at the first repreeentation, ba^ ahown hit
iacemment and good taate, by what tbe author
ealls a liheral tuff'ragt 10 its favour. Philip wij the
seeoad son of Henry Earl of Pembroke, the fnt^nd
and palron of Aldssinger's father. At au early a^e
he eame to court, and was distinguished by tbe par-
titular favour of James I., who conferred the honour
of knighthood upon him ; and, 00 his marriage*
with La;dy Susan Vera;, daughter of Edward Karl
of Oxford, and grand-daughter of William Lord
Burleigh, gave bim lands to a considerable amount,
and BooQ af^rwards created him a baron wad aa
earlf
of {f««if boiiodr aad virtoe. He oppovctl ib« bi;i;b camt
liiv««nri«« nil he tHicovered tb*I ibc pu-tiUDeiit ^11^ -^ : ^
k-tirly a*ur^(tie on tb« prcrogstives of tb« i>tb«r bran
lh« iUMv , when, dftcr an ineafecinal «tni£Klc to bnii
IqIu conalltutUmd limit*, mod pr«*erv« praee, be J<4l.c.. ,„^
■nn !i or bLi royal inaiter. 8bvlh»nl, ibe aedt frum wtuch tte
(IcrivrrJ bi* tlUr, wm ^omi in the coufllici. two t»f hkt •tm*
rdl in battle, and bebim»vir iti^erctl a lon^e And i^vcic iif|.
priMHioient; vH he prrMrrved bli loyally aud r*llb, aud died
Bfbehad llvea, anblfmUhrd.
* €M kUwarru^jif I Tin rr m skn account uf Ihb Diarrfuee^
ia a letter n-uin Sir \' n tu Mr. Winwuod, wlSeli
la preaerved ia th< ,[,« uf bia Attmsirn, and
wlikh, a* atfiirdinj!; < ^^ pietura of the fToaancss
''' ! tt the c<.>U[tiL>l Jd,a]ea l.^may nnl b« uDWortbjr
" On 81. Johii't day. ynn h»a ibc ntarri^^v uC
S . I brrt and Ibe l*»f!y Su»aii fwrfufint^ aI V\ hife-
bill, UUI4 all ibe bonuur cooM be done n. grfnt faviturilc.
The rami vtum Krctt, aikd fur thittd>»y p«it un lb«' br»I brnw-
rrir. The priiicv md tlukvof Huljt led tbv btide tocburch;
Ibc qticpii rullowcd htrr fruin ibvncc, Th« kiuK gaix'e btr,
and »hf t ill her It*:«i'» «nd triiikft?, britled and Lirinled il ao
band.^onirly, ami limleed beratnc hcr«clf *o Wi^II, that Ihf king
Mill, irbe ncrv unmarrk-d, be woatd oui ^{ve ber, bul keep
bcr biuiuir. Tbe ui«rriji|[e dioscr wa» kvpt in the fre4t
rbAiuber, ^bfte Ute priiui .ind (fn D.ikt i>i lliU^. ,uj.] die
fnmt lord* and lad*- 1
hadar oT Veolce v*
and he bad place ih ..-
took aol well. Bnl aTk r 'tinttn, lie «;■< .u liuU. | K t-rd
bittiseU; fur being 1ifott||[bt into ibe ctoatt to retire Liuiteir,
he waa then totferrd to vialk ool, bit *upp»r tiijthMrii^r,( „f.
At nighli, tberi' ««« a tn^tk in tlic hull, wLi> li it
aod fajjbiuii, wat 4uiulUe to the r>cc44ioii. T<
ibt Earl of r«iDl>ri<kL<. tlit L<»id Willuhy, Sir - ■.*,
KirTbum^ii Gertnain. Sir Rtibcrl C<iiy«'6tr Jrim Ln, Mr
RichJird Freilon, and Sir Tbomaa Ba^cr There ina»n«
•niMil lti>> ihfit iT}'4^h( t^f cbnins attd Jcrrclr, and many treat
l«<Ji«f were 11. ■ by the tkiria, and were very well
■erve«i, tb^i : ■ \i cut no belter. Tbe prrienta of
pUtc and ufU 11 by t|jc Doblirmen were valncd
at 2,A0i>l.; to»r uLit im<i> u imaiu> it a guod rn 1 n
gin v( tbe kiiif't, of SmW. l>in^l, for the bti <
Tlicy were l«Miy|.d iiD *\%v ro»n'-H cbiiiiib(.r, v* I 4,
kit bi« •hirl .111 * ' ' 1 ' thcrri a rtvetitetnnfifi uc-
turvt ibry >a< « u^hhI time la or npoD tbe
b*-d„ chiiJif. >\ I , .No cereiDCNiy waa omlt-
t' ' ■' ;' i.i>i i,ri«, nod gUive», iftldclj have
<>r ibi' court, aod ai oivht Ihrie
. raatioK od Ihf' bride't Icfl huM,
^^.M, P.,M.> y.j ..vcrltit. /an. iOOft/'
I Lad if Auian I err. J To tbit lad^y Juiiauo addreaacd ike
puejco brfintdiifT
*♦ Wf ■ .1, - .» -i "^ .« ^.>>. ,,^.ir,i,^i*-f did tbry tee
£v < wodtd bet
Oi I"
A u-. . ^,- ~ ^-,..-1- : -.- ■ ike, ^piff' **iv.
The d>w of ffraee U an clegatit aiul beiotlfat perlpbrasii fer
ihe baptiainaJ (iirinkhnf.
} B*yie*, afitr noUdog the favotin heaped on hinip ai re-
corded by LartI Clarendue, peinLantly addt, *• Hut Clarendon,
t There ii an alliiaioa tonne of those '* piftly aorceriea'
ill the fp«ecb of MtriiUa« •' Otiardian,^ Act. til. Sc. H.
«¥m
IMRODUCTIQN.
THU dedication, i^bioU is sensible, modest, nnd
effecting, sprvei to proTB ibnt v« hatever ini;;ht be
Ibis uatortunate ci re una stance which deprived the
nutLor of the patrooage nnd protf^ctioa of tbe elder
bninch of the Herberts, be did not imagiiie it to b«
of II disgraceful nature ; or be would not, in tbe fuce
of tlip public, have uppealed to bis connections
with tbe fumily : at tbe same time^ it ls maniftirst
that some catt8« of alieniition existed, otberwise lie
would scBTcely b»?e overlooltpd so fair an opportu-
nhy of Rlludinj? to tbe cbamcteristic generosity of
ibe £arl of Pembroke, whom on ibis, ss ou awery
Other occasion, he scrupalouslj forbears to name,
or even to bint aL
This dedication, which wm kindly received » led
the way to a clos«r connection^ and n certnin de^eo
of familiarily, for which, perhaps, the approbation
■o openly expressed of ** Tbe Bondman/' might
he designed by Montgomery its an overture ; at a
•ubsequent period*, Mss^inger styles tbe earl bis
'"most singular good lord and patron/^ and speaks
«f tbe greatness of bia obligations :
** mine being mora
** Than they could owe. who since, or heretofore,
" Have Inbour'd with exalted line* to raise
" Brave piles, or mtlier pyrnmidHof prmo
*' To Pembrokef. aod bis family/*
What pecuniary advanUiges he derired from the
protent address, cannot be known ; whatever ibey
were, they did not precludt; tbe necessity of writing
for the stage, which he continued to do with great
ptrUnpfi, Aid not know the real c»q§c of Ijorrl flerben*« ad-
vsnt i-'M}ctit. T^e b<-baviodr oftht Scnu on Jame«^» ■cctr-fikin
Id lh« ihroDu of Engtivnd inai giiurRUy obnuAious ami itmcli
reirnrcil. At a meciin^of Etii£li»ii and Scutch a,t a hurfee rjice
near Croydon, a utidcko *iiiarftl nroat bvi'^txa Ihvtn, occ«-
•lomcft by t Mr, Rjiu]M?y'> sTriking Philip Lord Herbert ia
Ibr (wtt Mitb ■ «wUcli. Tlit' EngUih would have luadr It a
iMtiondqumrrtl.im) Mr. John Pinclibeck rqde alK>ottbe f^rld
witU ft d»^;gtt in hia liind» cry iiig, Let ui break our/tutt with
ikmn here, and dine with thtm in Ltrnd^tn. But HerlMri not
rciaiMluf It, tbe V,\n% wuj %u rtiantu-d Miib hU p«;4c«4bk di>-
pcMllSoB, liiM hK made bim a knichr, a birnn^a vibronnt, and
ui earl, U» on« day/" Ufe ^f Mam^nser, p. IHL Thla ij
taken frum Oibum<uoocor tboae K^MalppIng talvaioiiKen Id
which ibr times of Jamci ao pvaLly alKinndcO|» and wbv» w ith
Weldoi». WilaoBi Peytott, Baadenon, lod otben, contributed
to prupafale an loflnlte atunbfer nf MandaloBt aUirieit, which
•h<i«l4 have h«cn letX wttb /DrficTi where moat of thciii perhap^^
bad births What reliance may be placed on them, in jieoeriil,
la Auincietitly apparotit fn>m ih« aaaertlon of Oahomt*. The
f*ct it, that Jlfrhert had long h«*n a kDishUand w*» DC^era
vlKvMoL He WB« marriefi In ihe btr-iiinDiiiK vf iOOA (he was
then Sir Phlllpii and created B;iriin Herbert of Shurlaort in
Ihe tale of Shcppy, and Earl of Montgomery, June 4idli, ia
the aartie year: and eo far were theae tltlcA fiom being the
reward of wliat Ukb4>ri}e e4lU hla cowardice at Croydon^ thai
Ihey were all coiiferkcd on him ivro yejira before that event
look place. (>t.burne him>elr allowa that if Montpuuery had
nut, by liU lorttearance. " Atitaehc-d the bliHid then ready to
be »i)Ul, not only thai day* hiit uU tf^cr, m«*t have pru^ved
fatal to the Scot** m> lonj; ai any had staid in KngUndt (he
royal family excepted, which, iu rc»pect (u mnji-ity^or ihcir
own aafety. thvy tnu»l have fpared, or the kingduin been
left to the mlN^ry of veeing vo niuih hlix>4 laid out a a tbe
trial of ao many crabbed lilleB would have reqnireti/' Tbe
piret'entjuii of thcje horrors irii^^ht. In ac»tue rainda, have
ralacd feeling* favimriibk to \he tcinpvraQcv of the yoiifid;
carl; hot O^tMjrne, whOM^ objecl and whoac o(13cc wa4 ca-
lamtiy^ coutrivea to convert it into a new accaiatlou ; " Ibay
e«mUJ not be thcaeconiidcratioiia," hetaya, "that realraitied
Herbert, wbo wanted leiture^ ao leva than capadty, to uae
tbem, tboflgb J aid lo hia way by oihern E"
Mf^nt^rt qf tCinff Jamet.
* Oa the bia of hheldett auu^ who diol of the smaU-
pot at Florence, Jan, tOftO.
t Montf^mcry ttad now attcceedcd to tbe title and catatci
of liU ekkr broOivr, wbodecca»ea April 10, tiUO
industry, seldom producing lets than two new
pieces annually. In 1<>^9, hts occasions, perhaps,
mrain pres8iti|< upon him, he gaT«iothepr«3« ** Th©
Henegado" nnd '* Tbe Roman Actor,** hotb of which
had now been sereral years before the pubHo* The
first of tbe*e he ioscnbed to Lord Berkeley in a short
address composed with taste and elegance. He
speaks writh some complacency of tbe merits of the
pifK^e, but truiitB that be ah»ll hvm ** to render bia
humble thanltfuIiieHS in AOtne bibber strain :*' this
conlidence in his abilities, the pleaaiog coocooiitsat
of true gcniuA, Tilssstn^er often felt and expressed*
The latter play b^ pre&enleel to Sir Philip Knyvet
and Sir I'bomas Jeay*. with a desire, as be says,
tbnt the world might take notice of bis being in-
debted to their support for power to oompoM the
piece : he expatiiitee on tbt^ir kindness m w«rtii and
ener[>etic language, and accounts for addressing
" the most perfect birdi of bia ISIinerva" to themij,
from their superior demands on bis Gj^ratitude,
Little more than four years bitd elapsed since
"Tbe llondman" was printed i in that period
MassingfT had written seven plnys, nil of which,
it is probable, were favourably received : it there-
fore becomes a question, what were the emoluments
derived from tbe stage wlucb c^uld thus leevea iMOpu-
lar and successful writer to struggle with adreri»itr*
There seem to have been two methoiis of clis-
posiog of a new piece; tbe first, and perhnps the
moat generalj was to tell the copy to one of the
theatres ; the price cannot be exactly ascertained,
but appears to have fluctuaii»d between ten and
twenty pounds, seldom falliug ^borr of tbe former,
and still more seldom, I believe, exceedin;^ the
latter. In this case, tbe author could only print bis
play by penaission of the proprietors, a farour
which was somttime* granted to tbe necessities of ft
faro n rite writer, and to none, perhaps, more fre-
quently than to Alassinger. 1 be other method wme
by offering it to the stage for tbe advantage of a
benefit, which was commonly taken on tbe second
or third night, aod which sefdom produced, there
ia reason to suppose, tbe net sum of twenty pounds.
There yet remain tbe profits of publication : Mr,
M alone, from whose " Historical Account of the
English Stage" (one of tbe must instructive essaya
that ever appeared on the subject ), many of these
notices are taken, says, that, in tbe time of Shak-
apeare, the customary price was twenty nobles
(6L 15s. 4d») ; if at a somewhat later period we fix
it at thirty (lOL), we shall not, probablyi be far from
tile truth* The usual dedication fee, which yet re-
mains to be addtHl, was forty shillings : where anj
connection subsisted betwen the parties, it wasdoobi-
leas increased.
We may be pretty confident, therefore, that Mai-
ftinger seldom, if ever, received for his most stre-
nuous and fortunate oxeriiuns more than fifW
pouiKtii a-year; this, indeed ^ if regularly enjoyea,
would be auSicient, with decent enconomy, to have
preserved him from absolute want ; but nothing is
better known than tbe precarious nature of dramelio
writing. Some of his pieces might fiiil of success
(indeed, we are assured that they actually did ao).
• Sir TbtHnat Jeay wst hlmteir a ooel j aeverti eommend-
•lory copies of vcraca by him are prettied to Mas<hiii]Eer'a
Flayi. He call* tbe author hi» wurihy friend, and letvea
man^ prooia ibat bU catrent waa foaoded cm Jud|snent, aud
fala kiadiieei eaitdid atul alucere
^Mb
Dtght experieoce m "thin third day ;" and a
r of cireumsrooc^a, not difficult to »xiumerate,
bnte to dimmish the petty sum which we bare
T«Mittii«d to &tate aa the maxitDum of the poet's re^
venoa, fiat could the benefit which he derived
frwtt fbe prrsa be rerj ext^nsire, aa of the aeventeen
drstatat tMiich make up his printed works (exclusire
oTtba ** I'artkment of Lore," whieh dow appears
§or the first titue). only twelve were publiahed dur-
ing hit life^ and of these, two (" The Virgin-
Mmnyf* aud *' The Fatal Dowry") were not wholly
bis own.
lo 1650 he printed " The Picture." which had
m^pearcd on the stage the precediag rear. This
bii^ waa warmly supported by many of the ** noble
Socwty of the Inner Temple/* to whom it is ad-
4rMa«l. Ibeee gentlemeD were so sensible of ihe
cztraofdioanr meriu of this admimble per-
JU iiiaiica, that they gare the author leave to par-
'culahae their names at the bead of the dedicatioDp
l»OQoyr which he declined, because, aa be mo*
ves. and eridently with au allusion to
oontempoTunes, he '• had rather enjoy
' |iroofa of their friendship, thnn* mnun-
tilMBlt^li^ bout their numbers in a catalogue.*'
Is 1651 Massio^r appeara to have been tinu*
•bbIIj tntlDsrrioos, for he brought forward three
p%tCK» in little more than as many months. Two of
thm^, ** Believe aa you List," and " Ilia Unfortti-
VUm Piely,** are lost ; the third is *' The Emperor of
tiM Eaat/* which was published in the following
ffmFp Kod iDicribed to Lord Mohuo, who was so
■loeh pleased with the perusal of the author's
nted works, that be commissioned his nephew,
Kr Aston Cockayne*, lo express his high opinion
f tbem, and lo present tlie writer " with a token of
' i love and intended laTOiiT/^
' Tba Fata] Dowry" was printed in 163S. I
I anppoaed ihLa to be tbe pUy which is men-
aboTe by the name of ** J he i'n fortunate
"* as it does not appear under its present title
hi tbe office-book of Sir Henry Herbert ; but 1 now
Mieve it to hare been written previously to 16'id.
Hia coadjutor in tbia play was Nathaniel I'ield, of
whom 1 can gire tbe reader but little cccoont. Hia
name ataoda at the bead of tbe principal come*
dians who performed " Cjntbia'a nereis/' and he
miomtA with Htmioge, Condell, Burbudge, and
■wm, m lb* prvfkee to the fotio edition of Shek-
PH. Ha srait alio tbe author of two comedies,
'"A Woman ta a Weathercock," J6lt, and
* Amttoda lor Ladies/* 1618. Mr. Heed, however^
I the writer of these plays, the asAistunt
f in ** The Fatal Dowry," to be a dia-
tact Ptsntm from the actor above mentioned, and
*m Kath* Field, M. A., Fellow of New ColK. who
ionma Latin rersea printed in Onm, Acadtmia^
)tUm^ I6fd, and wlio, being of tbe aame uni*
bljr piKe iti wtiicli M«*i>in|err ni^kei any
' kuon,*bu wm not \em ilrUi;Mr4 wlU» '*Tlic
I br ir'orthjf
. thiit h«
' refurtl
V proolf.
-- .-- , ...j.jlic, and
ivtft t*ke uiH»n myfcif
-►ogilienrd !h«lr nin-
.,.^^- i — ^-i ihuik if aJu>geU»(ir im-
versity with Massijigpr, might there join with bim
in the compoiition of the play ascribed to tbem*/*
It is seldom aafe to differ from Mr. Heed on Bub-
Jecta of this nature, yet f still incline to think that
Field the actor was the person meant. I'here ia
no autbonty for suppoaing that Mtissinger wrote
play a at college j ana if there were it in not lliely
that " The Fatal Dowry" ahould be one of them, liui
Mr, Reed's chief reason for his assertion is, that no
contemporary author speaks of Field as a writer:
this argument, in the refutation of which I can
claim no merit, la now cotnpletely disproved by the
discovery of the letter to Mr. Henslowe. Mr*Ma-
lone, too, ihinka that the person who wrote the two
comedies here mentioned, and assisted Ma>sioger,
could not be Field the actor, since the £rat of them
was printed in 1612^, at which time he must have
been a youth, having performed a* one of the chil-
dren of the reveU in, Jonson's " Silent Woman,"
]t>09t« I know not to what age these children were
confined, but Bark>»tead, who was one of them, and
who, from his situation in the list, was probably
younger than Field, publialjed, in iGll, a poem
called " lliren ( Irene) ilie Fair Greek," consisting
of 114 stanzas, which is ^et earlier ihnn the date of
** Woman's a Weathercocfe,"
Mr, Malone conjectures that the affecting letter
(p. XV.) was written between 1612 and Ibl 5 : if we
take the latest period, Field will be then not fur
from his twenty-eighth year, a period stiffiriently
advanced for tbe production of any work of fancy,
1 have sometimes felt a pang at imagining tbut the
play on which they were then engaged, and for
which they f^licit a trifiing advance in such moving
lerms, was " The Fatal Dowry," one of the noblest
compositions that ever graced the English stage f
Even thoui^rh it should not be so, it is yet tmpoasible
to be una^ected, when we consider ih&t thoae who
actually did produce it were in danger of perishing
in gaol for wont of a loan of live pounds !
In the following year, Maasinger brought forward
'' The (Jit? Madam," As this play was undoubtedly
dispose<l of to f be performers, it remained in manu-
script till ihe distress brought on the stage by the
per^ecutjon of the Puritans, induced them to com-
mit it to the press. The person to whom we are in*
debted fof its appearance was Andrew Fennycuicke,
an actor of some note. In the dedication to the
Countess of Oxford^t be obserres, with a spirited
reference lo the restrictions then laid on the drama,
" In that age, when ttit and ttnming were mU coh-
qutred by injury and Mitttnce^ this poem waa tlie ob*
ject of love and commendations :" he then adda,
*• ihe encouragement 1 had to prefer this dedication
to your powerful protection, proceeds from tbe tini-
veraal fame of the deceased author^, who (although
• Old Play*. Vol. %IL* p, 350.
t It had prubably (*iicapcd Mr. Malooe^fl obtervaUati, that
PieW appear » ai rbe principaJ perforini'f In " Cynthia** Re-
«tU," acicf! ill ISM or ItKNi. H« coiild nut ihen bavtr well
been leat than twelve jvam olil, and, «i the time mt* ttlkoni;*!
by Mr. Mnlnii«, aa tew early for tb« pnidnrilDn of hii Arat
play, mnit have t»e«Ji lamed of one aiidtMreniy.
t Countfn qf OxfordtAt^] Ana, first wlf« of Anbrcy de
Vere, twcnlicih and la«l Earl of Oaford. She waa adikuiL
rt'liifi(»ni of the Pembroke iTaJiiUy.
i The d*c^*tmdaut/urr,] " The City Madam*' was prtalcd
in 10511. ThU tnflicientty prove* the abatirdhj of the «o-
count Ki*«J ^y I'ai'KbAine, Jacob. Wliiocop, sad Clbber.
who cuDciir io piaciiijc hit death in tMij and wh«, ccr-
tuDly, never perused hit wtirka with any altcDiLoat aof U
5
XJf
INTRODUCTION.
be oompoS'id mitny) wrote none amisB, and thia may
justly be rarjked Hniotig^ bis best." Pennvcuicie
tnit^fbt hiivp |jrrne furtlier; but thia little address is
gtitb riant to ftbovt? in nrhai estimatioa the poet wa«
b«Ui by hit '* fellowt." He hud now been dead
niiieteen y^ar*.
About IbtA time too (ItJSf), Massingcr printed
"Tbe Maid of Honour," with a dedicatioo to Sir
FmDcia Foljnmbo** and Sir Thomas BUnd, which
cannot be rt'tkd without sorrow. He obsenres, that
tbe«0 gi^nrleiDen, who apf^ear to have been engaged
iu na amicable auit at law, bod contintied for umny
yewA the patrons of him and bis deapised atudiea»
and he caUs u|>on the world to take notice^ as from
himself, that he hmj nut U^ tlutt time stihnsled.hut that
he was supported by their fret|ueiit courte«4ea aod
i^vouri.
It is Qot improbable, however, thtt be wts now
labouring under the pressure of more than u^unl
Want ; as the failure of two of his playa bad danipi?d
his spirits, and materially checked the prosecution
of his dramatic studies. No account of the unsuc-
eesaful pieces ta come down to ua i their names do
Dot occur in the Office-book of Sir H* Herbert, nor
ahould we hare known the circumstance, had not
the author, with a modesty which ahnnips some of bi«
coatetnpornriea, and a deference to the judgment of
the Dub]io, which becomes all who write for it, re-
corded the fact in tbe prologue to " The Guanlian."
I'o this, probably, we owe the publication of ■* A
New Way to Pay Old Debta," which was now first
printed with a sensible and manly address to the
Earl of CdernarvoOf who had marrit^d Lady Sophia
Herbert, the sister of his patron, Phdip Eurl t»f
Pembroke aod Montgomery. " I wsh bom,'" be
eny«, '* a deroted aervnot to the thrice noble family
01 your inoomparable lady, and am moat ambitioua,
but with a becoming distance, to be known to your
lordship." All Massinger's patrons aiii»;jir to be
p<^rj>ans of worth and emiueoce. Phihp had not,
at tliis time, tarnished the name of Pembroke by in-
grutituJe, and the Earl of Caernarvon was a man
of unimpeachable honour and integrity. He fol-
lowed the declining fortunes of his roval master,
and fell at Newbury, whi^re he commancled the ca-
valry, after defeating that port ot tbe parliamentary
army to which he was opposed. In bis last mo-
menta, says Fuller, as be lay on the field, a noble-
man of tbe royal party deiiu^ed to know if he hud
any request to mnke to the king, to whom bs was
dc«i*rvedly dear, comfortiug bim with the asaurance
tliot it would be reitdily granted. His reply was
such as became a hmve and conscientiuu^ soldier ;
I will not die with a suit in my mouth, but to tbe
king of kings !
Flattered by Ibe fncceas of " The Gaardlan/'
which was licensed on the 3lat of October, 16SS,
JMa^iiiinger exerted himself with unusual energy, and
produced tbre« plays before tbe oxpinition of the
tytlowiijg year. One of tbetn, the delightful comedy
flut itt Clietwotid more ntioajil, wlioaueria tlijt be died in
1099, «lnce lib rpUiph ii prlnicil «iiimi>c Uie po«uii i*t Sir
jittan GiM:k«>De, wtikh wcfr i^wbliibvil Lu KlSd, aod
i«rlttin madi varticr, ll b, llKTefurc, wofic than • wxtic
ot Ihiiv to rvpcjt from buok tu book »q<Ii pal|ial»ti!i
■rroii.
• Sir FraneiJt F»fjamt>*f &c,] I natpccl Hut Sk Prm»el«
WM «b» « C^ihc^lk, From tti« brief account n( tbb Mttciviit
rtmU> M^bich ii ^Uvn \q LamIkl-'i " llliifltmtloa!!,** Ibpy up-
pvhi ii> hiive iiHl>r4!<t te\vrt\y tin Arcouat of ib«ir rcUstooi,
tu wbich tbt-y were M*liiU»ly alUclicd.
of " A Very Woman/' is come down to tie: of tbe
others, nothing is known but the names, which are
registered by the Master of tbe Keyels. In 165.7,
It does not appear that he brought any thing forward ;
but in lti36, he wrote " The Bashful l^ver." aod
printed '* The Greet Dtike of Florence," wbich bad
now been many years on iLe itage, with a dedlco'
tion to Sir Robert Wiseman, of Tborrells Hall, in
Essex. lo this, which is merely expressive of hia
gratitude for a long continuation of kindae», he ac-
knowledges, "'and with a lealuus thankfulness, that,
for many years, he had but fuintly subsiatf^d. if he
had not ofteu lasted of his bounty/' In thia pr»>
c^irioua state of dependence piisaed the life of a man
who is charged with no want of industry, suspected
of no extravagance, and whose works were, at that
very period, the boost and delight of the stage !
*' 1'he Bashful Lover" is the latest play of Mas-
atnger'^s wTitiug which we possess, but there were
three otljers posterior to it, of which the last, '* The
Auchoresft of Pausilippo, was ftcted Jan. !£6, 1610,
about sis weeks before his deelh. Previous to this,
he sent to the press one of hia early plays, "'The
Unnaturail Combat." which he inscribed to Anthony
Sentlegor (whose father, Sir Wareham, had b»»en hia
particuiur admirer), being, as he says, umbitious to
publicih Ids many favours to ibe world. It h pleasant
to find the author, at the close of his blamt^le^s life,
avowing, aa he here daen^ with nn amiable modesty,
that the noble and eminent ]>ersons to whom hia
former works were dedicated, did not tliink them-
selves disparaged by being '* celebratc<d aa the pa-
trons of bis humble studies, in the first lite of
which," he contines *^ I am amjidfnt you shall bav«
DO eauaa to bluab to find 3'our name written."
Mftsainger died on the 1 7th of March, 1640. He
went to bed in good health, says Langbaine, and
was found dead in tbe morning in his own bouse on
the Qankd^ide. He was buried In tbe churchyard of
St. Saviour^a, and tbe comedians paid the lost sad
duty to his name, by attending bim to tbe grave.
I't does not appear, from the atrictest search, that
a stone, or inacnption of any kind, marked the place
where his dust was deposited : even tbe memoriol
of his mortality is given with a pathtitic brevity,
which accords but too well with the obscure and
humble passages of his life : '* March 20, lt}J9-40,
buried Philip Maaaioger, a stranger!" No flowers
were flung into bis grave, no etegies ** soothed bia
hovering spirit,^' and of all the admirers of bis taU
enta and his worth, none but Sir Aston Cockayne,
dedicated a line to hi^i memory. It would be an
abuse of lunguago to honour any composition of Sir
Aston with the name ol poetry, but the steodineaa
of his regard for Miis.iiiiigt)r may be justly praised.
In that collection of doggrel rhymes, which I have
already mentioned, (p. xv,) there is *' au epitaph on
Mr. John Fletcher, and Mr. Philip Massinger, who
tie bulb buried in one grave in St. Mary Qtery's
church, in Southwark :
** In the some grave was Fletcher buried, here
Lies tbe ata^e-poet Philip Massinger ;
Plays tht«y did write together, were great friends,
And now one grave iticludes them in their ends.
I'o whom on earth nothing could part, beneath
Here in their ftime they lie, in apight of death."
It is aarely somewhat singular that of a man of
iuoh emioence, nothing ahould be known. What [
have presumed to gire, is merely the hiatory of the
(if e ippearflnce of Lis worlcs ; and I sm «ware
► ftource from whence aoy additiooal informiitioni
^MA In! derived ; no anecdotes are recorded of bim
hf bii conretnpomriei, few caaua) imintioiis of hia
■tiiM» occur io the writinj^s of the time, and ii« bad
itot ihe ^h1 fortune which Attended many of Ie«a
enineac«, to titract attention at the Teiriral of dra-
matie literature from the deathlike torpor of the la-
•mneignam*. But though we are ig:norant of every
circumstance reapecting Mwaing^ert hut thai be lived
and diedf, we may jet form to oarstflves aome idea
of bia pQTMnal character from the incidental hinta
■cattirr«d through bia worka. Io what tight he wfta
regmrdcd may be collected from tlie recommendatory
I pocoDa prefi led to hia aeveral plays, in i/«bich the
MAgimge of bis panegyrista^ though wurm, expresses
I I an «tli«bmeat appmrently derived not so much from
Ibis takqoktA aa hia rinoea ; he ii^ as Davi^ has oh'
t aflnned; their kelmmif much-etteemftlt dettrt uan-ihtft
I dgmningt ktmimndt kng kntmin, and Umg ioved/riend^
I 6ce.« Ac. All tbe writers of bia life unite in repre-
iaocio^ bim aa a man o( aingular modeaty, geotle-
I IMS*, oaiidoiir.aad aflability ; nor does it app«ir that
' b« «««r made or fonnd an enemy. He apeaks^ indeed,
I of opponents on the stage, hut tbe conteniion of
, rival candidates for popular favour must not be con>
i' 'iMiled with personal hostility. With all this,
; > << i^ver, be appeera to have maintained a constant
^gMH^le with adrertity ; since not only the atage,
HHjKrhicii, perhaps » hiA natural reserve prevented
B^^B^m deriving tbe usual advantages, but even
'^ the bounty of hia narticular friends, on which he
chiefly relied, left him in aatate of absolute depend-
' wiocu Jonaon. Fletcher, Shirley, and oihers, not
aiiperiur to bim in ahiliiiea. bad their periods of good
fartuoe, their bngfatj as welt as their stormy hours i
I kat Mtaaiftger seema to have enjoyed no gleam of
I jMMiahine , Lis life was all one wintry day, and
** abadows, clouds, and darkness/' rested upon it.
• Davioa finds a servility in hi* dedications which
I have not been able to discover ; tbey are princi-
I patty characieriaed by gratitude und humility. without
a single trait of that groea and servile adulation
which diatioguisbea and disgraces the addresaes
of MMne of bis contemporariea* That he did not
' bia misery, hia editors sppeur inclined to
I among bis fuults; he bore it, however, witb-
Itopatience, and we only bear of it when it is
^IteTed, Poverty made him no flatterer, and» what
i adn more imre^ do maligner of the grtmt i nor is
one sjmptom of eory ouinifested in any pmt of bis
coin positions.
His principles of patriotism appi^nr irreprehen-
fible » tbe ejxtravagant juid slavish doctrines which
are foond in the dramas of his great couteoiporaries,
Dske no part of bia creed, in which the warmest
loyattj ia akilfullv combined with just and rational
of political freettom* Nor is this the only
Hditince in which the rectitude of hia mind is ap
nt ; the writers of his day abound in rccom*
datioos of suicide j be is uniform in the repre-
I we tbidt hottiktter mcniltui. Even in
1 fale par»«ed bira, and he wu Hang
L j!y, llul bit tpoili oiigkil bv worn wilbout
»it«ly to be lamented tlt^t Sir A*tim Cock vane,
i.tirii hi:* k'iiurr \n WPtiiaritHi out dntl p^ro»c
<>1 not employed a part at il ia
i the dramatic poiU, v,ilh wbooi
I, 4 (id wlioua be profcide» to mncl)
hens ion of it, with a single exception, to which,
f>erh«ip^, be was led by the peculiar turn of bia
studies*. Guilt of every kiod is tisually left to the
Duni^hment of divine justice : even the wretched
iVIalefort excuses himself to bis son on bis super* i
oattinil appearance, becsttse the latter was not marktd I
out hu heaven for bis mother*s avenger; and the !
young, tbe brave, the pious Cbaratois accounts bis
death fallen upon him by tbe will of heaven, be-
cause **ht matlt himMif ajudgt in his PtVH eauBt."
Bnt tbe great, the glorious distinction of Mas-
singer, ia tbe uniform respect with which he treats
religion and its mtnisten, in an age when it was
found necessary to add regulation to regulation, to
slop tbe growth of impiety on tbe slage« No pnesta
are tntroauced by bim, " to sec on aome quantity of
barren spectators*' to laugh at their licentious foU
ties^ the sacred name is not lightly invoked, nor
daringly sported with ; nor ia Scripture |>rofaned by
buffoon allusions lavishly pat into the moutba of
fools and women.
To this brief and desultory dcV < f his
mind, it may be expected that somt^^ I l»ere
be added of bis talents for dramiiii. . .-^ ,»ition;
but this is happily rendered unnecessary* The
kindness of Dr. rerriar bas allowed me to annex to
this introduction tbe elegant and ingenious '* Esssy
on niasainger/* first printed in the third volume of
the ■* Manchester Transactions ;" and I shall pre-
sently have to notice, in a more particular manner,
the value of the assistance which bss been expresiily
given to me for this work. These, if I do not de*
ceive myielf, leave little or nothing to be desired on
the peculiar qualities, the excellencies, and defects^
of this much neglected and much injured writer,
Mr. M. Mason bas remarked the general har<
mony of bis numbers, in which, indeed, Msssijiger
stJinds unrivalled. He setms, however, inclined to
make a partial exception in favour of Shak£^>tare ;
hut I cannot admit of its propriety. The claims of
tins great poet €n the admir&tioD of mankind are
innumerable, but rhythmical modulation is not oue
of tbem, nor do 1 tliink it either wise or just to hold
him fonh aa aupereminent in ever^- quality which
cnnatitutes genius, Beaumont ts as sublime^
Fletcher as pathetic, and Jonaon as nervous : — nor
let it be accounted poor or niggard praise, to allow
him only an equality with tlieae extraordinary men
tn their peculiar excellencies, while be is adrnittt^d
to possess many otlierSj to which they make no ap-
proaches. Indeed, if I were asked for the dis-
criminating quality of Sbakspeare'a mind, that by
which he is raised above all competition, abovi^ nil
prospect of rivalry, I should say it was wit. To
wit Ma:§isinger has no pretensions, though he ia not
without a considerable portion of humour ; in which,
however, he is surpassed by Retciier, whose atvle
heurs some aifinity to his own ; there is, indet'if, n
morbid &ot\nesa in the poetry of tJie latter, whith is
not visible in the flowing sod vigorous metre of
Massinger, but the general manner is not unliket.
•See "Tlie Dokc of MOao-" The frequent vlolaitoti of
(vmaW chumitv, ^hkh tiwk pUce tm ihtlr rnptlun of
tbe barbarlAfH "into Jlnly. gave rise to many eurlou> di»»
qu'»«iiion> mnoDK Ihc faitb<rft «t Uif chunli, rftDcctimc
tbe degree nf guiU incurrv*! U\ preveniiuf »t by ««]r mur-
der. Miiiiiugt-r huti the*e. pn>)»tib1y, in Ida iboui^hfi.
t Tliete iJi yet a pt'tnAimtliY wbkli il may b« proppr to
aoticr. At il codtrlbawk In a ili|bt Ucgree to tkc llueucj^ ot
INTRODUCTION.
Witli Massing^r termiDited the triumph of dra-
mftiic poetry ; indefsd^the stiige il&eif aurriv^ him
but ft short tinKf, The nation wm* convulaed to
iU centre by contending fai-tiona, and a 8«t of
tuatere and gloomy faaflttcs^ eucniiea to erery ele*
gfttit aJDuaement, and every social relaxation, rose
upon the ruins of the ilaie. Exasjwmted by tlie
ridicule wiib which thi?v had long bevn covered 1>y
tlie Alngv^ they perflecuted the actora with unrelent-
ing aeventy, and coniigned them, together with the
writers, to hopeteaa obseurity and wretchednesa.
Taylor died in the extreme of poverty, Shirley
opeaed a little icbool, and Lowin, the booat of the
stage, kept an alehouse at Brsniford ;
Balneolum Gabm,fum0t ecndueen R^ma
Teniarunt / --
Others, and those the far greater number, joined tbe
royal standard, and exerted themselves with more
gfiillaTitry than good fortune in the service of their
old and indulgent master.
\V> have not yet, perhaps, fully estimated, and
certainly not yet fully recovered, what was lost in
tbttt unfortunate struggle. The arts were rapidly
advancing' to perfection under the fotitering wing of
a monarch who united in himself Uiste to feelj spirit
to uiiderUke. and munitice&ce to reward. Archi-
tecture, painting, and poetry, were by tunis the ob-
jects of his patif'rnal care. Sbakspeare was his
** closet companion/'^ Joqsod hia poet^ end io con-
junction with Inigo JoneSf his favoured architect,
produced tliose magnificent entertainments which,
though modem refinement may afiect to deispise
M*niti{tfr*i itylc^ it h, the reiolntfon of his word* CitadI
prlncipJilly of xhntc ^hicb ar« dcHvrd from th« Lnijii
tlirrai^n iji« mnJlum of the Frcncli) into tliclr cumpi^Dent
•^tinbki. ytiiumis, partial, maiion, &c,, Ac , be iisniillly
nmlie* d4Ct>tB {if U be i»ut pe^l^iitk to apply ivnm Jf
meaitire tu a lanEitJirii- teqoainivd unly with ^cci nt), poising
uvrr Ihi' lael t\*v »yM;«l»lr» w^tfi a gi'orle bnt dit^liiiri man-
clatlun. Ttili pr«(!lke,itii<tt;c4Jt ti iH'C]i»ional]ly adopttNl by all
the writt'i> of ttlB Unte, but lii MjM'iiiger It U rreqnvut un4
tiabttnaU Thit »iii|£al4rity may ilighrtv tmbairuM the render
St fit%U ^*>t <^ l^ttJc 4<r|iMiMi«nce vf\l\ «how \ia advantage*,
and rrnder tt f\M i>tAy t:n*y i»nt Jrlightrnl*
♦ IJit "Chut Compttniint,"] MHnm, and certainly wiib
DO tynipluiii9 of di»ii(jprubalion^ menlicvni, » a fad univtrr-
tatty ktiuwn. tlii! fumla>CB^» of the Mttfurtuttnte Charlea fur
ih* ptnyn or 8h«l(vp4-«rf! ; Mnd ft aLpptMra. from llvMt curlotii
n^irtJoiiHrii cullvcivit from 8ir Henry Herbert, by Mr. Mn-
finnr, thitt hti «ttachmctit to tikc ilrAina, and bl» Hn^iciy for
lia ptffertion, bctjau with his reign. The pM of** The
fiam«iiter/' one of thf b^ct of Shirley 't piecei, wai %\veo
U* him by the kiu^ ; aii'l thrrs ii an «nrrt]i«>te reconled by
tbe Mauler of tbv Rivtt». wiiitrh thoivi that l>e uaa not iiui-
trUlive tn the fliicci-M i<f Ma»»iij.|;er.
"At Cfe*n»lcb *hl* I uf June f«038), Mr. W. Mumy
five nire |M»»»'r fmni the Wlnjj lo «lkiw of " Thr King aud
U»e Siibjeet," iud tould iuv« that be wonhl warrant it :
*♦ * Moni«» I We'll raifte tnppllei what way we pleaiCi
And tofce yon to iinb«erib« Id blmikp, in «*hich
Welt innlct yon » wr Khull thtnk 1\u The Caesar*
Io R '^*i>- wLmv ,1. Utii.\il»i]|;in|{ no lawi
Dmt ',, til* wivea
Atiii vfluglo
TlMTll ,
"Tbl» U a peece Ukeb oat of Plutvp Mefachfer't play
called *Th<* King and the Subjert," and eolered lierv for
e»er lo bee rewn^mbered by my ton and tboae that caat
tbetr eyei on It^ in boooar of Klnic Cbarkt, mv mmstet,
who tei'j liter i'vcr (he play at Ncwmarkel,, tet ftii marke
DP' vvitb bit own Iuui4c, and ia theie worla : —
' J '■ifftt, mul lo Aw eAMivarf.*
'lit poet makea It tbe tpMcl) of a klof^p Don
Pedro Qi Sp^yuCi and tpokeu to bia •abjceu."
Them, modem splendour oerer rMobed ttT«Q io
thrtug-ht*,
1'hat the tyranny of the commonwealth should
sweep till this away, waa to be expected : ibe cir-
cumstance not leas to be wondered at than regretted
li, that when the revival of monarchy alfurtied an
opportunity for reutoring every thing to ita prtatine
place, DO adranta^e should be taken of it. Such,
however, waa the horror created in the general
mind, by the perverae and unsocial goremment from
which they bad »o fbrtuoately escaped, ibat tlie
people appear to bare anxiously uvoidvd all retro-
spect ; and with Prynne and Vicars, to have lost
light of SboJfspetire and ** hia feliowa." Instead,
therefore, of taking up dramatic poetry (for to thia
my subject confines me) where it abruptly ceased iu
the labours of Massingor, thev elicited, as it were, a
manner of their own, or fetched it from the beat y
monotony of their continental neigbboars. Tbe
esse, the elegance, the simplicity, the copioumesa of
the former period, were as if they bad never been ;
and jangltnc: and blustering declamation took pine*
of nature, truth, and sense. £iren crittciam, which.
in the former reigo, bad been making no ioconsi-
demhie progress under tlie inilueace and diret^tioo
of the great masters of Italy, was now diverted into
a new channel, and only studied in the puny and
jejune canons of their unwortliy follow era, tbe
French*
the Heslomtion did little for Massinger ; tltis,
however, will tbe less surprjse us, when we &nd
that he but ahareil the fortune of o greater name. It
appears from a list of revived plays preserved by
Downes tbe prompter, that of twentip'-one, two
onlyt were written by Sbakspeare t •• The Bond-
man," and '* The Roman Actor," were at length
brought forward by Betterton, who probably coo-
ceived them to be favourable to his fine powers of
declamation. We are told by Downes, that be
gained *' great applause" in tbem : bis success,
however, did not incite him to the revival of the
reat, though lie mi^^ht have found among the num-
ber ample scope for the display of his highest
tiiWnts. 1 can find but iwo more of Mas^ir^ger's
plays which were octed in the period immediately
following tbe Reiloration, '* Tbe Virgin -Martyr, '
and '*The Renegado:" 1 have, indeed, aomo idea
that " The Old Law" should be added to the scanty
list t but havmg mislaid my memorandumSf I can-
not affirm it.
The time, however^ arrived, when he was to be
remembered. Nicholaa Rowe, a man gifted by na-
ture with taste aod feeling, dii^gustcd at tbe tumid
vapidity of his own times, turned bis attention Co
tbe poets of a former age, and, among the reat^ to
•That the emhibltion of 1liu#e mattia w«? .».i^...i.,i .%ttb ,
coQtfdcral'le degree of e\pt-tii« caimc^t b* I'N ft
qftetlion rnay Ik< iTifxtrBdy atiirtrd. *M'helher II ' <nU
inl|i,bt not have twtn *» rationally aiid *■ cu... ;. — I onl
cm one of them at TlbbalU'*, Altb€ipe,iir Lndiow CaeUe* ai
(m s baikel *4 nnrH* fruit i
But wr are- f«llrij Uu\tt^[ t lite fi»(iv«l nf the l.«.i t>t» ^i
ll>» H*Th prv«i-nietl in upiKtrtiinilj f'-r a m.i»k ■;
lo the tMbject, in wl^ich Ukle ilioirM huve iinlteil ^
denr. H'hoae tJticJitP were ctnploycd on tlif ^. ..
caimn I rjiDiaot pretend lo uy^ bitl ntinredly lUe Ire-
qaenteia of Bailbi>iomew fair ^cte nrvcr invited to » vite
and tcnjieleaa an evbibitlon, a* w iii< prodtired at Rant lagh foe
the eiiTirl^lniocDt of the n^^bUity and gentry of ihc nnite<1
kiDgdurn.
T Ttea ohI^] And of (he*v two, one was "Tlttit Ainlfi*-
nicna!"
mim
INTRODUCTION.
AMStngsr. Plessed «t the discovery of a mind
ng«nwl to bis ovfq, be studied him witb mtleDlion,
'Bad codeeTOurrd to form a style on hia model.
SiiftTity. ease, ele'gsnce, all that close application and
Pfl«dul6ii» imitaiioQ could gire» Rowe acquired from
p^msaJ of Massinger: faomour, ricbDesi« ri-
tr^ tod sublimity, the gifts of nature, wete not tCr
eau^ht, and do not, indeed, appear m tay of bii
Itif snout compoiitioDa,
lttw9r bowever, bad diicHmiaatioD and judg-
~ Bt J be was ali^* to the ^eat and striking excel-
of tbe Poet^ and formed the resoludon of
ntitjg him to the world in a correct and uniform
iliticm. It is told in the preface to *' The Bond*
f* (printed in 1719), sod there is no reaaon to
' I toe veracity of the aKirmation, that Howe bod
die whole of Maasinger's works, witli a
to thetr publication: unfortunately, however^
^« «ras seduced from bis purpose by the mmta of
' ' Fttlal Dowry." The pathetic sad interesting
I of thi-s domestic drama have such irresistible
_ r over the best feelings of the reader, that be
ermined to srail himself of iheir ejccellence, and
fnme a aecond tragedy on tlie aame atory. How he
altered and adapied lb« events to bis own concep-
tiooa is told by Mr. Cumberland, with equal ele-
gance and taste, in the £May which follows the
otiginal piece*."
Flettsed witb the aveeaaa of bis perfortnancef,
Howe conceived the uogenerous idea of appropri-
the whole of its merits ; and, from that in*
^ appears not only to bare giran up all thoughts
ssioger, but to baye avoided all mention of hia
lu the base and aemle dedication of bis
agedy to the Docbei* olOrmoud, while he founda
his claim to bar patronage on the interesting nature
bf the ttcvnc^s. be suffers not a bint to escstJO him
hat he was indebted for them to any preceding
enter.
It miy fleam atrsoge that Rowe should flatter bim-
wif witb the hope of evading detection : that hope»
however^ was not so t'xtravogani as it may appear at
priaent. Few ot our old dramas were then on sale :
I of Sbaicspe4&re, Jonaoi}« and Fletcher, indeed «
,r.l. iTtiiV V. I ljr li^MfHprt Oil UlU Itltli^Ct. Thf
1 1 ly soperiof to tluf of
r(li> better than ■ speci-
'.. t.'hed the moft Mdacing
»4:Jo)|u«ucv on LuUiajiu, aad Actc<i, ibrouc^uiiit
i It be «ifldj«d to frunc an cxchm; f^r CjihtM :
olDKct h«* pL«c«d Ui« crime of Bcanmelle
sbd proper lii^lit U«aaineU« caii hsve do
< in her giiUt: — do frail one can Drf« that «be wsi
r her cuunple; fur Nov«ll h4i nottiing but peraonal
d ev^n io xhwi be b lurpnued by Churslob. For lb«
«D<] ol CalUu, Howe 4^vtttce» aeociafMlenitiiiii,
Mr-i:tr lit-, r. m'.f'ml Charsloli tl»e roo»t Inlcr-
I rodacetJ on the ita{;«,
< c, iu fimc me^ifure, to the
I 'Li-ite agttTit of >o<iii^ Novjill,
■ Caller;!, Indeift. ibr ItnprtMicm Vkbirb
. wa» »o etroiiKt Itiat hv ntrnai bii tmKefly
: aiftef the hvrolDc v( his onvn pivcc : Beaa-
u]^ die Pair Fenitent, Kthercas Cittiita it nciiber
ii«i« Dor lest than « bsufbty «iid ab^ioduittMl •trumpet.
t J'ktf mtctxta qf kiM mifrfi*rmanre,\ Tltis waa wMiicwhwt
obleiBStJcal at first. For llionirh " Tbc Fair FcnU«i)l" be
r a ceneral ra^uorUe witb the Iowd, it experience k cuo-
rsMe uppotitioD od iu appearance^ owing, an Buwnci
w, **if> ibe Itatnctf of the ft^nrtb and fifth ac(»>**
r poverty <jf Rowe'i g^niat is priocipAlty nppflrrnt in the
ti «r wbidi t^ plol Aiid the cjLcculiuu arc equally
had b«en collected i depredadons on them, there-
fora, iboQgb frequently made, were attended with
some degree of hazard ; but the works >'* >'
ger, few of whiih had reached a aeeond <
scattered in single plays, and might be a^ ; , 1
without fear. What printed copies or msauBcnpts
were exianty were chiefly to be found in pnvate li-
hraries, not easily accessihle, nor often brougLi iq
sale; and it is not, perhaps, too much to »«iy that
more old plays may now be found in the hnndi of a
single bookseller, than, in tbe days of Howe, were
syppoied to be in exiat«uce.
'* Ibe Fair Penitent*' was produced in 1705, and
the Author, baring abaodoDeJ bis first design, un*
dertook to prepare for the press tbe works of a poet
more worthy, it must be confessed, of hia care, but
not in equal watU of bla assistance; and, in 1709,
gave tbe public the first octavo edition of Shakspeara»
What might have been the present ntok of .Mmmih-
ger, if Rowe bad completed bis purpose, it would be
presumptuous to deiermine : it may^, however, be
conjectured that, reprinted with accuracy, corrected
with judgment, and illustrated with ingenuity, he
would, Qt least, have been more generiilly known*,
and suffered to occupy a station of greater reaiHJCts-
btiity than he has hitherto been permitted to assume.
Massin ger, thus plundered and abaiuloned by
Rowe, was, after b coasiderable lapae of time, taken
up by Thomas Coxeter, of *vhom I know nothing
more thau is delivered by Mr. Egertoo Brydges«
in bis useful and ingenious additions to tbe ** Tboa>
* M^re pmtruUf btoum,] It dttes not appear froin Joho-
too^i obKTVBtioui on *'Tbr Fdir Feaiiifnt, ib«t litr bad any
knowledge of Mauin^er; ^lEcvrnit I have !K>iue leason tu
tbiok, UHjk hlin op Ult^ in life ', and Mr. Mulonv ob^ervri to
inc^ that be only oDosaiteil biin fur verbal illaslratluai of bbiik*
■pearc, Tbia i» imnvly a labject for reRret ; bol we may be
aUuwtd to comptain a tittle of lbo«e who di»CQS» hit nierfl*
wilboat exacntniag liia workSj» and traduce bla character on
tbefr own raUeoncepiioni, Capellt who»e dull Bdi-liry forma
tbr sole claim oi» our kltidDesi, bci'omva both irkacrnratc untf
nnjuattbeinatatithe ipeak« of Mat^tuger; bcaccaar* him of
betitj^ ofic of the props of JoDaon 'a throne, in opposition tmhe
prelcnaioDH of 5bakipeare4 I The revcn>e of this i» tbe truth:
be was lb V admirer and tinitatorot Sbfikspcare, and itisscaree-
\y poisiblc to look lotu one of bL» pnilociLea, wlibont discover-
ing some olldfion, more ur let* coiii^arpd , to the overwheliTi'^
log pride and arrogaiice of Jonaon. This dijlDcliDHtion to
the latter wnJ no aecret to bb contemporaritii, vihlle bit par*
lialily to tbtr former waa ao notoiiiHifli. ibat io a motk
Tommacff entitled "Wit and Fancy in a Maie^ or Dun
Zant del Fi>%o,'* 19mo, 1056 (ihc knowleilge of which waa
obilgidgly communicated to me by llie Rev. W. TuliiJ,
where an uproar amongst the Eniifiah pwli [■ dcKribed.
Malinger ii cipresaly iotriMluci^rl a« "one of the lU'it
raard» lo Shak*peanc." So inacb ft»r the antefof Capdl !—
hot MaMinger'a ill frite alit) purtaef him. In a Lilt- l->My nfi
tbc ttage, wriiten with coni^iderablc iii]jcnni(i|/, thw aiKborJti
Blviag a cbriifiological bi&tory of dramatic wiit<:r» frnm
Backville dowawanti, overlooks Mauingi-r till be artivA al
oar own iimea. He then recollect ■ that he wan one of tbe
fatheri of tlie drama ; and addi+ that "* hi» »lyU was rouj/ht
manly, and tigoroaa, Uul be prcased upon bta mibject y\\ih
m severe btii mn»terly band, that hi« wit waa caustic," di<. If
this isenllcman had ever looked Into the poet he thu» vharae-
turif4^« he mriBt have InMantly recot^niRcd hii error. Man-
finger bat no ttfit, and bli tiumuar, in which be abonud«, ia
of B liv;hland fruUc nalnre ; be prevscf nol Qn hi» iubj* ct nith
amrWfy, but with fulnet^ cif knowkdi^e -, and bi» atylu la m
far fjTOJa roi/i/hnten, that iU charactcriJtlc eicetlencc it t
■tweetneas beyond exnmple. *' Wbt>evcr/' Myn Johnson^
•* widhefl to HUm» an EncliJih atyle fnniiliar bm nol eo4r*e,
and elegant hut not ostentations, tnunl K*** ^l* day* and
ni^hla tki the volumes of Addlion." Whoever w^Mikl add 1o
theac ihc i:]aa1ilie4 of timpUcity, purity, aweelne»fr, toil
Btrength* most dtivote hU honra to the study of Maasinfer.
i See hit " InlrDdaciiun to Sbakapcftn'a Ttayi/' Vol. I. p. 14*
i
INTRODUCTION.
tfum Poetnrum*/* ** He wis born of %n ftncteot
•od r^spffclablti family, at Leeblnde, in Glouc«jiter-
ftltire, if) 1(VB9, ami educated at Trinity College.
Ox lord, wbBrtj he wore a cirilmn's gown, and about
1710, ab.indonin*^ tl>e civH law^ and every other
prnfik^sioQ, oamo to London, Here continuing^
witbout any tiettled purpose, be became acq uu in ted
with bookaellt^ra and auLnora» and ama«sed materials
for ft biogranliy of our old p0€la. He bad a curitjus
eoUeotionof old pUys, and wiia ibe first who formed
tb« 8«beme adopted by Dodatey, of publishing' a
selection of tijem/* ^o*
Warton too catla Co^eter a faithful and industrious
tmasser of our old En|^Ii«hliteratare.aitd thia pmiae,
whalevnr be its worth, ts all that cau be fairly said to
belong to himf : as an editor he is miierably defi"
cient ; thoU||!:h it appears tbut be whs not without
assistance which, in other hands, mij^ht have been
tutniMl to some accnunt. " When 1 left London/'
•ays the accurate and in^jtenious 0]dy»» '* in the year
17t£4, to reside fn Yorkshire, 1 left m tlio care of the
Rev, Mr. Burridge's family , with whom 1 bud
several years lod^d, amount many other books,
m copy of this Langbaine, in which I bad written
seveml notes and references to further the know-
led |£e of lliese poets. W hen I returned to London
in 1750, I uoderstood my books had been disp«rae>d ;
and afterwards becomiotf acquainted with Mr.
Coxeter, I found that he had bought my L&ngbatne
of a book&eller, as be was a great collector of plays
and poetic^il books. This must have bei^a of service
to him, and he has kept it so carefully from my sight
tbbt I never could bare the opportunity of tranS'
eribtn^ into this 1 am now writing, the notes I had
coU^fcted in that. Whether I had (entered any
remarks upoa Masain^er, I remember not ; hut he
had comonunicaiions from me concerning hini, when
he was undertuking to give us a new edition of Ins
playSp which is not published yet. He (Mr, Cox-
eter) died on the J 0th (or 19tlj, I cannot tell which)
of April, being Ka»ter Sunday, 1747, of a fever
which grew from a cold he caught at an auction of
books over Exeter Chunge, or by sitting up late at
the larem afterward^it*''
On the death of Coxe!«»r, his collections for the
purposed edition of Matsinger fell into the hands of
a bootfsoller^ of tlio name of Uell, who giiive ihein to
tic world in 1759, From the publisher's prehice it
appears that Coxeter did not live to complete bis
design. "The late tngeduus Mr. Coxeter,"
be says, " had corrected and coLtated all tlie
rariou4 editions4 ;" and^ if 1 may judge from
bis copies, he hsci spared no diligeuce and care to
mnke ihem as correct as possible. Sevcrrul tnge-
iiious obstrrvatious and uotea he had likewise pre*
•kill i*t Mr. iiiei'v*Mt».
1 Jii'|in»uii inhl lioivrrll tliii '' a Mr. Coxclcn whom lie
knew 4 tmtl colU'Ctvil Kb«>ut nw htiitttred: valiiiiii-i of pocti
i»hi>«< work* Mrtrre mini knuwn : but iliAl, ti|«uo lila diNiilt,
Tom Dftbftrue benight Ihein, «|ji} Ihty wcfc cU«|ifiiit(l, which
h« Ihoitjjiii A (lily ; N» it ««» carious Ut $vt «My
•vrl«« cu»o^4rtc, ttuA Ui (n>«r]r voliimi' of p4<«nM i4«tiK'thfii;K
fpiMt liit^hi be fuuiid/' DoivvvU^t **U(«i lkc.# vuL IL,
p. 4 At.
I Miiiiiiiierl(il nut«» on Liut;b«bie» la ftie fiiitiih
fTlib b feiUu iifcttcd ill Ihc lllli--ti>4;c — Ifulit ii not ta,
pered for his intended edition, which are all inserted
to the present. Had he lived to have completed bis
design, I dare say he would have added many more,
aud that his work v^ould have met with a very fa-
vourable receptioa from Brery person of true taste
and genius."
A.B Dell professes to bare followed CoteWt
papers, and given all his notes, we may form no
inadec|uiite iaea of what the editioii would bttve
been. Though educated at the Unirerssity. Coi-
eter exhibits no proofa of liiemture. To criucal
sagmcitry he has not tbe smalteat pretensions ; bis
conjectures are void alike of ingenuity and probe*
biiity, and his bistoncal refere(nce« at once puerile
aud incorrect. Even his parallel passages (tbe
easiest part of an editor's bbour) are more calcn*
loted to produce a smile at the colleotor*s expeuae,
than to illustnte his author ; wbUe every page of
his work bears the atrom^eat impression of imbt-
rility. Tbe prai^ of fidelity may be allowed him ;
hut in doing thia the unfortunate Dell must be
churgid (how justly I know not) with the innu-
merable errors which over-run and deform the
edition. I need not inform those who are con vera.,
ant with old copies, that the printers were less at^
tentive to the measure of theorigiaal, than to filling
up the line, and saving tbeir paper: this Coxeter
attempted to remedy ; his success, however, was
but partial; his vigtianoe relaxed, or his t4r failed
him, and hundreds, perhaps thousands, of verses
are given in the cacop heinous and un metrical stste iu.
which they appear in the early ediiious, A few
palpable blunders are removed ; others, not lesa
remarkable, are continued, and where a word is
altered, under the idea of improving the sense, it is
almost invariably for the worse. Upou tlie whole,
Masjiinger appeiired to less advantage tbaa iu l\m
old copies.
Two years afterwards n76l>, a second edition*
of this work was publisheu by Mr. Thomas Davies^
accompanied by an '* Kssiiy en tlie Old Hngliah
Dramatic Writer,'* furnished by 5lr. Colman, and
addressed to David Garrick, Esq., to whom Deils
edition was also inscribed.
It may tend to mortify those, who, after bestow-
ing unwearied pains on a work, look for some
trifling return of praise, to find the approbation, which
should be justly reserved for themselves, thought-
lessly bviHhed on the most worthless productions.
Of this publication, the most ignorant and incorrect
(if we except that of Mr, M, Mason, to which we
ahall speedily arrive) that ever issued from the
press, Bishop Percy thus speaks ; '* Mr, Coxeter'a
vnHY conatcT Eonioj* of Massinger** Plsys
has lately been published in 4 vols. 8vo, by Air.
T. Davies (which T. Daviea was many years an
actor on Drury-lane stage, and 1 believe still con-
tinuea so, notwithstanding his shop). To this
edition lA prefixed e auperticial letter to Mr. Gur-
rick, written by Mr. Colman, but giving not the
least account of ^lassinger, or of the old editions
from whence this was composed. 'Tia great nity
Mr. Coxeter did not live to huish it himself.*' It is
• A ifcond edfHen] 8e, at lcs*t. It inklmutri; but Mr.
W.drtiufi, of Unify Lane (a mutt rrkndly aud Insji-nitm*
man, l'J«v!M>»rimJill tmicnrUinflibrafy I «ni tnurh itult-mvU},
wiio u btutr itMjiuiiiter} Miihtlit Jtct'-oiinvM or l»ooli,»cllcr>
tUsn 1 |>rutctkil iif be> biTonui nic tkal U u odI^ 0uU'» wtuh
4 new iia(;-p4g(t.
jj
INTRODUCTION*
%%w
that hts lordship never compared a ftiogle
this " correct edition*' with the old copies:
PADtioa the circumstauce to point out to
if eminetiice ihe fotJy, oa well as the danger,
ling at random on any Bubjeot which (hej
L preriously coDiidered.
U readily i>a suppoaed that a pablication
waa not much calculated to extend the
f or raiae the repuiatioa of the fK>et ; it
io«reirer» a certain quantity of readers, and
r growui;; scarce, wbeo it tell hj aDcidanl into
la of John Monk iNIoson, Elsq.
77 he was faronred by a friend, a« ho tells
ry, with a copy of Maaainger ^ he received
a high degree of pleasure, and having con*
I hahir of rectifying^, m the mar^n, the mta-
f iuch hooka aa he rcrad, be proceeded in
inner with those before him ; hia emvnda-
ire accidentally discovered by two of his
taoGe, who eapresaed their approbation of
I rery flattering temta, and requested the
give them to the poblic*,
ftt. ^ Jason was unfortunate in his friends :
3uld have considered (a matter which had
ely escaped him) that the great duty
editor ta fidelity : thai the ignorance of
' in admitting ao many gross faulls could
» reasonable mind the siightesl plea for rely-
bis general accuracy, and that however high
ght rate their friend's sagacity, it was not
ecrtaui that when he displaced hia prede-
1 worda to make room for hia own, be fell
i« gcpvrina iaxt. Nothing of ihia, howerer.
4 to th«ai, and Mr. M. Mason was prevailed
k m aril hour, to aend bis corrected Cojceter
preface which accorda bm too well with
il of the work, be observes, that he had
^eard of Maaainm till about two prears
K reprinted himf. It must be conlesaed
^■t AO time in boaating of bis acquaintance
^fci, however, to have been but snperficiaL
iKood page he asserts that the whole of
«ef's plays were published while the author
ring ! Tbia is a specimen of the care with
he usually proceeds : the life of the author,
d 10 his own edition, tells tbut he died in
lad in the list which inunediately follows it,
i tbta four plays are given in auc cession,
were not published till near twenty years
tat period I
oaataney of Mr. ^L Mason is to great, that
9 possible to say whether he supposed there
ay older edition than that before him* He
o'deed of M&asiuger, but be always means
ir ; tad it is beyond any common powers of
kter bim discourse of the verbal and gram*
I tnaccuraciea of ao author whose works he
ly never aaw, without a smile of pity or
ipt*
I .lition, p, ii.
hi j ! l-ii itiAt a writer of inch eviilrnt
i'> Uu\r_. Wjkown, Prcfjice, p. i. A» wmc
r. \\. \tm>u'* tmAitmeult I will tril liim
Jf^Mmm Mye* Ihjil *m » ccTialti time, «
,,,iMij ui ii.»c vi-ry earl>» Vi*i* muX by
I ... |in i-Mfl hi* »«!*>» bhiucut it hU %tttiag
.M. ,.ji huiir, th« man sns^t'rie^J, ' Ih mn6r
. r, li > Mu Aatvf dme the mmt tMug^ wluU
^yott tu be jar|fri*c(l r*
He aaya, ** I have admitted bio the text all my
own amtndmtnit, in order that tboae who may wish
to give free scope to their fancy and tbeir feelings,
and without turning aside to verbal criticism, j««y
read these plays in that which appears to me the
most jperfect atate ;" (what intotemble conceit!)
** but for the satisfaction of more cnucal readers, I
have directed th«t the words rejected by me should
be insertfHl in the mar^^in •," This ii not the case ;
and 1 cannot acc^^unt, on any common principles of
pmdence, for the gratuitous temerity with which so
strange eu aiiserLioo is advanced: not one in twenty
ia noticed, and the reader is misled on almost ^^erf
occasion.
1 do not wish io examine the preface further ; and
shall therefore conclude nith observing, that Mr,
^l, Maaon*a edition is iufiuitely worae than Coxeter'a
It rectifies a few mistakes, and suggesia a few im*
provements ; but, on the other liand, it abounds in
errors and onii&siuna, not only beyond that, but uer^
blips beyond any otber work that ever ap|)eared in
prinL Nor is this all: the ignorant tidelity of
Coxeter has certainly given us many absurd r«iac[in|;a
of the old priritera or transcribers j this, however,
is far more tolerable than the mischievous ingenuity
of Mr. M. iMasoD : the word* he has iitentlif intro-
duced bear a specious appeoronce of truth, uud ure
tlierefore calculated to elude ibe vigilance of mitay
readera, whom the text of Coxe er would have
startled , and compelled to seek the genuine sen.se
elsewhere. To sum. up the account between the
two editions, both bear the marks of ignorance,
inexperience, and inattention j in both the tuuli^are
incredibly numerous ;; but where Coxeter drona
words, Mr. IVI. Ma^on drops lines j ond where tO«
former omits Imes, the latter leaves out wboto
aptfi'cbea !
After what I have just aaid, the reader, perhaps,
will feel an iaclinutiou to smile at the concluding
sentence of Mr. M. Moron's preface : ** I rLAnta
MYBtLl', lUAT Tills £1311 ION Or Al*581NOFB WILL HX
FouKn MOHE t?oaaicr (and coRafcn?iEsa is i^a only
BtEltIT IT PRtTXHnS TO) TIIAS THE BXST Of TnOSX
WlllCU HAVE AS VET HEVS FltRLlsnOJ Or AKV OTUHl
ANCILNT nftAMATIC WRITER. t*'
The genuine merits of the Poet, however, w»?re
strong enougb to overcome these wrutched remoras.
The impression wus become scarce, and though
never worth the paper on which it was printed, sold,
at an extrnv^gRnt prica, when a new edition w«a
proposed to me by Mr. Evans of Pall-Mall Mas-
ainger wa-i a favourite ^ and t had fr€r|uenily lu*
meoted, with many others, that he hud tVHen into
such bonds, t saw, without the asaiatnnce of the
old copies, that bis metre was disregarded, that his
sense was disjointed and broken, that bis dialogue
wai» imfierfect, and that be was encumbered with
explanatory trash whkh would disgrace the pages
of B sixpenny muguiine ; and in the hope of remedy-
ing these, and entibling the Author to take his plnca
on the same shelf, 1 will not say with Bbakaiieure,
but with Jonaon, Beaumont, and his associate Flet-
cher, 1 readily undertook the labour.
My first core was to look round for the old
editions. To collect theae is not at all times possi-
ble, and in every case, is a work of trouble sind ex-
pense : but the kiodtiess of individuals supplied me
with all that I wanted. Octaviua Gilchrist, a
* PrcfacT, p- U.
i Pref^ccj p. xL
kffa^^
gvndeman ol Stamford*, no looner heard of my de-
§ijgn, tlian be obligingly aent me all the copies vrbich
he poiaeaaed ; the lie v. P. Bay lea of Cole beater
(only known to me by tbia act of kindueas) pre-
aented me wilb a amall but cboice selectioo ; and
Mr, M alone, with a Itberatity whicb 1 aball erer
remember witb eratitude and deljgbt, furaisbed me,
uaaoliGited, witb his involunblo collection t» nmong
which I found all ibe first editions J : tbeee, wiib
■ucb aa I coutd procure in the course of a few monttjs
from tbe booksellers, in addition to the copif » in the
Jduaeum, and tn tbe rich collection of bi» IVlajesty,
which 1 consulted from time to time, form tbe basis
of tbe preient Work.
With these aida IbbI down to tbe baaioess of colla^
tion : it was now ibot I discorered, with no less
■urpriae tb&n Lndiguationi tboae alterations and omia-
* t moit not omit tb^t Hr. Qikbiiit (wboce name will
occur tnttrc* thsin nnai in tbr ensuing pngt's.V together wkb
M* copiei of M«pjiine«ri. Irnu 111111104 « number or uarfti] and
IndiciDTia ob»ei-vatti»o« qd the Ftxrl, ilerktre-d from Lia uxlvo-
«tve AcqiiatuUvcc willi oar old tii»loruiu».
t Pi»r ihl», I owe Mr. Maluti« my rit^nUu ibuilti : bnit
the nAmhtn of Mad«iaf«r inciBt Join vfhh lutt in exprcMlng
IheW %T*{hnd< lo him fw an ublttcnilluii of a morv public
kliMl; for tbe commtiiiic^lliuiii vf that b*4Dliful rracnieni,
Wblrii now Jippcnra in pfiol tur I be Ivnl tilnr, " Thv ParliJi-
meat of Lpvc." Prum "The HiiTorj- of I be !lrnc.lisli Sl^jjc*"
preficiMJ lo Mr Maloni^'t ifdiijun «>r 8liiAkjp«arc, I karacd
that *' Foar acts df an uapablUh«d tlrama, by ]Mq:s»ineicr.
were atill cicUut In inAnu»cripu" Aa I anxiutisly witkbcd to
render ihii ntiiion aa perfect a# po*!*ible, 1 wrttfc to Mr.
Ifalonc, whh wboui I Inad not tbe plramirr of being per-
■Otially ■cqtiattiletl, to knuw wbtrc it mlgbt be funnd ; in
return^ h« mfurined inc lh4t the tuaiiu script waa tti liiia pciB^
■esaiun : itsBtate«,he added, WHii»uchf that be doubled whi'lticr
much advantace could be derived from )1, Itul that f w^b
tnUrely welcam« to make Ibe enperltnebt. Of (bia permit-
rIoOi wbkb 1 accepted wUb tlnenlar pleastirr, I foatantly
■vailed myi«lr* and received Ine manuscript. It wa>»
indeed, in a forlorti condilioo: wjveral leave* were torn from
ihii bcKiniiini;, and Ihe lup antl bottom of every pa^e wailed
by drtmpa, to vrhich it hail formerly been expoMrd. On ts%-
aminafion, howeTer, I had ihe tatbfaction to And, that a
connuieraMc part of tbe Brat acl, which **a nuppomd ttj be
lost, yet eii>te«1, arKl Ibat a certain degree of atlcniion,
whkb t waa not uawillfne to bestow on itj mi^ht recover
nearly Ibe vibole of the remainder. How I aacceeded, may
l»« Mttta in the preseul volume; wbcr* tb« rrader will find
tUib an jcruuiit, aa waa t-oniialenf wilb tb« brevity of my
plan, of the ain^ular i|]«tittiition on which the fable is foondtt^f.
Prrhapa tbe anbjeri meriti no furtlier consideration : I wonid«
lUJWever, jvit obaerve, that, aince ibe article v,»a prlntfil« J
have been fbrnUbc^l by my fn'trHl, tlic Rev. K< Narca, lAiib
a cnriona old volnme» called *' Aresta Amomm, vr Arreta
d'Amonr," written in Premsh b^ Martial d'Anver^ne, who
died in 1M8* [I U not p<ittibk to tntagioe any ibine
ifi^.t.^ irtvoL.tM than the ean«ef,or rather appeals, which are
*>' heard in thia Court of Love. What i», hfliv-
e^ ' intraordinary, ia, thai Iheac mlM-mble trille*
«r> I npon by Eenoft le Cnvrt, a eelebrated Juris-
coui'44i( oi 1^1' H! iiitie?, vtiih a de|;rt'« of acrioavncia which
i^ould nut disgrace the moat intportattt i^ne»liona. Every
Oreek and Romnn wriUrr, then known, I3 qoottd with pru-
fui>ion, lo prove aome tHt« position dropt at random : ocea-
•)u«i i* hImi taken to deacant uii many aubite poiuta of taw,
mhUh mij{hi not be alioc^tber, perbjip!^, without ihcir in-
terest, I have noihinK furthiT lo aay of ibia elaborate olece
of fof»k'ry» which I read with etjiud weariaomenct* anti dia-
g44*t, b<jii ^tl<icb !>» t VN 0, |Mrh.tp», to ahow that Ibeac Parlla-
in< I oijfrsaedly liiiaKioary, occupied
ri > ' , Uian that It bad probably fallen
iiti 11 >Me aceoc between Bt-Ui>ant and
Clfiu.ilifrf ii>t^r 1.V1) ?r.in» io be founded on Utc iSrsl
appt-al which la heard iu the '* ArreU d'Amour/'
X I have no iuleiitiuti of enlrrlnj; lnlL»lbcdi»pnfe ref peeling
(he comparative n)erita of the first and atcond loUoa of
Sliakapeare. Of \1aMin^rr» however, I may be allowed lo
lay. that 1 conatanily found tbe tarlient cdltiona the mrial
evrreet. A palpable error might be, and, indee<i, ^jmeliniea
W«a rexnovt^ in ibe anbai-qucnt onea, bnt the tpiriu and
what t would caltlhc racineM^ of the aelhor only appeared
««i)ripl«tt Lo the ori|;inal copiea>
aiona of which I have already apoken ; and which I
made it my first car*' to reform and aupply. At tbe
outset, finding it difficult to conceive tbit the varia-
tions in Coxetor and Mr. M. Maaon were tbe effect
of i^orance or caprice, I imagined that an aurbority
for them mig^ht be some where founds and tberefora
collated not only i^very edition, but eren aerenl
copies of tbe same edition*' ; wlint began in neoeaaity
was continued by choice^ and every play ha/t under-
gone, at least, five close examinations with tbe ori-
ginal text. On tbia strictneM of revision reata tbt
IP'eat: diadnction of this edit i cm from the preoediii|f
onea, from which it will bt* found to vary in an in-
fitiite number of places : indeed^ accuracy, as Mr.
M. Maaon aaya, ii all the merit to which it pretenda ;
and though I not provoke* yet I aee no reason la
deprecate the conaeqnenceaof tbe aevereat acrutiny*
There ia yet another diatinclion. Tlie old copiea
rarely specif the place of action : such, indeed, waa
the poverty of the stage, that it admitted of little
variety , A plain curiam Imng up in a corner » ae-
paraled distant regions i tmd if a board were ad*
vnnced with Alilau and Florence written u}>od it,
tl]« delusion was complete. *' A table wjtb p^'n and
ink thrust in," signified tbut the stage was a counting-
bouae; if these were withdrawn, and two stools
put iu their plncea, it vras then a tatrcrn* Instances
of this may be fotind in tbe margin of all our old
Elays, whicb aeem to be copied from the promptera*
ooks ; and Mr. Moione might hare produced from
hia Maasinger alone, more tbnn enough to satisfy
the reheat sceptic, that tbe notion of scenery, aa we
now understand it, was utterly unknown to the
stage. Indeed, be bad so mfich the advantage of
the argument without these aida, that I have always
wondered bow Steepens could so lonp;^ suppurtj and
an strenuously contend for, his most hopeless
But be was a wit and a scholiu- ; and tnere is
pride in showing how dexterously a clumsy
pon may be wielded bv a practised swordsmBn. With
all this, however, t Lave ventured on an arrange-
ment of the scenery. Coxeter and Mr, M. Mason
attempted it in two or three plaiFS, and their ill
iucceas in a maner of no extraordinary difficulty,
proves how much they mistook their talents, when
they commenced tbe tnide of edttorship, with little
more than the negative quaJidea of beedlessneaa and
inexperience. t
* lo tome of ibcBc pkya i ili:acovered, that am errov harf
been ditecitd, atUr a p«ri of llic imprea»ioo waa worked olT^
and ctntmequenily corrected, or what wa» more freqacBtly
Ihe ca»e. cx:chan|;i-d lor aoolbcr.
f HemntieatneaM and tn&cpmfeiicrO Those who recnllorl \\\r
boait of Mr. M. Maaon. will be lomewhai inri^r
baptievcn afl«r all which they have beard, at K n
In an iicnpla a matter a* mnrking the r^r«, thii
blunder* at every Hf! p. If Pope now wins alive, hv \\<<.A
nut apply lo hia blacbUlter playa for tiicb nkrtiia aa rjrit
omnts, tntrr tkr*t blavk u^tc-fitM tvtut.Z At. Mr< M. MaaiiO'*
«>dllioi), i^hirh he " ft altera hirni^lf will be fonrHl more cor-
rect than Ihc beiil of those whtcb have been yet pnbllitliert
of any oilier ancient dmmatie writer," would iumlph abtind-
atice vl ihini. Hn copy of ' The Fatal DowT> ,'
before me, aurj, in the compaM of a few pare*, '
/•>ir e#rrr* mth XotmU (|J»fl). Etit VhantUu, *
aftd €}0ictr» {%00), fUit Homtmt ati4 *(mvK»f(VI>i. AjiI
NtmaU senior and Pmttalirr (*.'J8), &c, AH rji<,octrtir* In
"The Emperor of tbe KaM (311 ;, Esit Gmttemen («44), atMl
^TitTiherio and .Sttjifmuo rJ4A). in " Tbe Duke of III Ian;
tlieie }i4»( btcttidi'iB ore vmluninry on Ibe part of the «<|{tQr-
L^ixHer, whom be oanally fctllow}, reatls Er* tt)t Etittmi e
tlie nlliiiu up» ibereforei is aolely due to hki own tncrnntlv.
Slrnllnr Distaiireitnigbl Ik produced from every play. 1 would
I See bii Preface lo Shakipiiar«.
mb
tt# DOW to tlie notes* Tbo4« wbo are aceuttomefl
B erowiled paf «s of our modern ediiorvi wH\
*hij be ftoroewbHt «tartled at the comparalir*
lllM. U tliis b« an error it ia t roluntary one.
r«r eoold eonc«iTe whf th« mwlert of our old
latiflta diould be tiupeeted of bbomrog under
■tsr difgrte of igi)or»Doe than tboie of«ay otber
of wtiitn I yet, from tlie trite and inVignilt*
materiala amassed for their information, it it
rot that a persaaaion of tbi» nature ia uncom-
Ijrikrevalent* Customs which are unireraal, and
i^aions ^^famitiar as bouaehold worda" in
f month, are illustrated, that is to say, orer-
hy an immensity of parallel passages, with
as much wisdom and resch of thought as would
rinoed by bim wbo, to explain any simple word
bts line, should empty upon the reader all the
iples to b« found under it in Johnson's Die*
iry»
lis chesp and mijerable display of mlaute
ition grsw up, in great measure, with Warton ;
iac« to bis manes ! the cause of sound liters^
bss b«^n fearfully avenged upon bis bead : and,
knightHBrraat who, with his sttendsnt Howies,
Iiillsstof all mortal squires, ssllied forth inquest
m orig:ijitl proprietor of erery common word in
01k, has hod his copulstites and disiuncrives,
^itt and his andt, sedulously ferrettea out from
w school-books in the kingdom. Asa prose
ir« htt will ToDg continue to instruct and delight ;
M a poet be is buried — lost. He is not of the
11, nor does he possess sufficient rigour to
I off tbe weight of ucumbent mountstos.
iwever this may be, I hare proceeded on a dif-
t pban, Passsget that only exercise the me-
V.. — irestiog aimilar thoughts and ejcpres-
wrilert, are, if somewhat obvious,
to the reader *a own discovery. Un*
BOH aad obaoleCa words ar« briefly explained,
kr from thli, fh«t lfr« M. Mssod U uiiJicquAlnlrf) wtfti
«anlli| of CO cotnmnti a wrurl ; but if wc rr Ueve \\lm
fa< d^it^v of igrxffnactt vhir bvcom**^ . y f
U it ud^lTicuU To »*y oa what prvci>> I'hli
' lu4 (}4»fn4 i» fqvdor were (ooDtled, ' ^»a-
' ver go oai, aud gu uun HmI never
ihcy apeak before (Ji<ry r titer, «r
^ ttmgm, »My\*'to iu;ikc « the more
i> a»l««p or dead ! Hrr« one mcida
I I 'T? another; b«rc Coxeier U Mrr-
. ^iTic\iAi»iy d t:»r rl p<1 : Uer*^ Ibf «eMiet
I-.. .e cnoUtivcd i»iO ' ' n^n; lit-re
malUfrlMI wMhovt sect nyptvuieil
l»Jitry ro the aeote: vli _ Im every
|.9w«.,.'tered ^lih marsinat iljiri limii», i<huli hiing
Ml Mrly tot the property-iuati, vlw, aji baa been already
iMd. had but f«* pfDjxrrtiei at hii dift|,iri.tjih can now
- — '•"* "■ ' ■ " -1 to catlie a tnUk at ihe es-
I i^ all; lliv abfiifd *cenery Id-
ijeil. uj dcplKbl of ctutinion
.-. -..™.. ■ ^' art iKiDt'rCtfelly f^iven
y iaatasee; aiHi "Tbc FmuI Dowry/'
M« so dttertpfi* 1 c1er»< |j kn by Mr. M.
•• k» fiMind il*li-. .^.. n can be uiiire dcitnac-
IhSl aatlbrtiiliy i^hicb tbe reader U ted to txptct
r buld pr«le&al«it)t of til a preface, t hope it b need-
dil, tiMi Ui<>w ^>r-Y>'i^Mlk*wUl sot be tOunA In Ihe
vohinr.
and, where tbe phraseology was doubtful or ob-
scure^ it is illttslrstad sad confirmed by ijuotstions
from contemponiry authors. In this psrt of tha
work no abuse has been sttempted of the resder*B
pstiene« : the most positive that could bo found,
are given, and a scrupulous attention is tr^ff
where paid to brevity ; as it has been si ways my
persuasion,
** That where one's proofs are aptly eboien,
Four are as valid as four doien."
I do not know whether it rosy be propef to add
here, that the freedoms of tlie suihor (of^whieh, a«
none csio be more sensible (ban myself, so none can
more Ismeot them) have obtaitiea little of my soli-
citude: those, therefore* wbo examine the notes
with a prurient eye, will find no rratifi cation ia
their licentiousness. I bsve calleu in no Amoer
to drivel out gratuitous obsceuities in uncouth tan*
gusge* • no ColliDs (whose name should be devoted
to lasttog infamy) lo ransack the souals of a brothel
for secrvt ** better bidt ;'* where I wiahed not to detaia
the reader, I have been silent, and instead of aspiriog
to the fame of s licentious conunentstor, sought
only for the quiet spprobaiion with which the
father or the husband may reward the faithful
•ditor.
But whatsf ar may be thought of my owo nofea,
the critical observations that follow each play, sud*
shove all, the eloquent and masterly deliueAtion of
Msssuiger*s character, #ubjoined to " The Old
Law/^ by the companion of my youth, the friend
of my maturer years, the inseparable and sfiectioo-
ate sssociate ot my pleasures and my pains, my
f graver nnd my lighter iludieSf tbe Eev. Dr. Irei-
Bnd{, will, I am persuaded, be received with pecu-
liar pleasure, if precision, vigour, discrimination,
and ortginalityi preserve their usual claims to
4
The bead of Masstoger, prefixed to this volume,
was copied by my young friend Lascelles Hoppner,
from the print before three octavo plays pubhabed
by H. Moseley, 1655, Whether it be renlly the
*' vers efligies**of the poet, I cannot pretend to ssy : it
was produced sufficiently near his time to be accumts,
and It has not the air of a fancy portruit. There is,
I believe, no other.
* fn imcimih tanguoff*] U U ilnjottr that Mr. Steevena,
who wni ao well acqusJAted with the MurdM of onr nrkcient
writer*, ahimld be to l^Eionunt of ibeir aiyle, Tbe lanen-it^e
which be bai pot into ihe otoath of Amn«r ii a barbarona
iuiobte of dlffereDt agci, that cevff bad, and nevtr cuald
avcf a prolocypc.
tOi3« book whicb (aot beios* perbapa, among the
srchWet act carernUy exptoftd for lie betteftt ot tht yovlhtu]
readen of Slitk»p««re ) Mcmi lo have eveafied the noilre oT
Mr. Collintt miy yet be asfely commcndecl lo bi« futurv
rriearrhe** aa oot uiihktly 1m rewiKl hli i^aiiii. He wil|
And ill jtt aitiuDC many other iliinf* equally valaable,
that ** The knowUdgt cf ^cktdntn i* *««t witdom* net*
I her at an> Uine tbe eouDael of •iancn pradence."— £McSi
mix. la.
tPnbciidary of Wetimlnttvrj and Vicar of Croydea Is
Surrey »
ESSAY
DRAMATIC WRITINGS OF MASSINGER.
BY JOHN FERRIAR, M.D.
• Rei antiqua; taudii *t arti$
Ingrtdiar, tnnet(*t ausut rtciudtre Jmiei, Vino^
7t tnfgbt be urged , is a proof of oar posaMsin^ a
■uperfluity of goud playa in ottr language, tbat one
of our beat dniiniitic writers ia verj genemlly dis-
regarded. But whatever conclusion may be arnn^fi
from this fact, it will not be eaiy to free x\w public
from the suspicion of caprice, while it contiuuea to
idolue Sbiikspeare, and to neglect an author not
oftBu much inferior, and aometimea nearly equal, to
that wonderful poet. jVIasaingers fate has, indet*d,
be«*n hard, far beyond tbe common topicf of lie
infelicity of genius. He was not merely denied the
fortune for which be laboured, and the fame which
he merited ; a still more cruet circumstance baa at-
tended bia production a : literary pilferers bava
built their reputation on his obscurity, and the
popularity of their stolen beautiea baa diverted
the public attention from tbe excellent original*
An attempt waa made in farour of tbia injured
poet, in 1761, by a new edition of bii worka, at*
tended with a critical diifsertation on the old Cngliah
dram&tiata, id which, though compoaed with spirit
and elegance, there ia little to be found reapectin(r
Majisinger. Another edition appeared in 1775,
hut the poet remained unexamined. Perhaps M&a-
sinfC^r is »tiU unfortunate in hia r indicator.
I'he same irregtilarity of plot, and disregard of
nitea, appear in Wa»ainger*B nrodluctiona aa in tboee
of bta eon temporaries. On tuts subject Shakapeare
baa been so well defended that it ia unneceaaary to
add aoj argutnenPs io vindication of our poet.
Tber« u erery reason to suppose (hat Masstnger
did nol neglect the ancient rules from ignorance,
for be appears to be one of our most learned writers,
(Dolwitbatandtiiff the insipid sneer of Antony
Wood*) : «nd Cartwrigbt, who waa oonfeasedly a
( man of great erudition, is not more attentire Io the
unities than any other poet of that age. But our
author, like Shakspeare, wrote for bread ; it ap~
pears from different parts of his works*, that much
of bis life had passed m alarish dependence, uid
penury is not apt to encourage a deaire of fame.
One observation, however, may be risked, on oor <
irregular and regular plays ^ that the former ar*
more pleasing to the taste, and the latter to tht
understanding ; readers must determine, then, wbe*
ther it is better to feel or to approve. Msssinger't
dramatic art is too great to allow a faint sense of pro-
priety to dwell on the mind, in perusing his pieces;
he inflames or soothes, excites tbe strongest terror,
or the softest pity, with all the energy and powet
of a true poet.
But if we must admit that an irregular plot
subjects a writer to peculiar disadTantagea, tho
force of Mossinger's genius will appear more eri-
dently from this very coacessioa. The interest of
hia pieces ia. for the most part, strong and well
defined \ the story, though worked up to a studied
intricacy, ia, in general, resolved with as much
ease and probability as iu nature will permit \
attention is never <lisgusted by aniicipntion, nor
tortured with onnecessary delay. These chnraetera
are applicable to most ntlVT us dinger's own produc-
tions ; but in those which he wrote joinrly with
other dramatists, the interest is often weakened, by
incidents which that age permitted, but which the
present would not endure. Thus, in ** The Rene-
gadot," the honor of Paulina la preserved from fha
brutality of her Turkish maater, by the influence of a
* 8«c pnrtkalarly tint dedktsaon of " Tbe Msid of Homer,'*
and •'TbeGrcJit Dnke or Florvnc**,"
t TlUi pLiy w&i written by Maatingvr slotie.
ESSAY ON THE WRITINCS OF MASSlNOElt.
szix
relic. wliicJi the wears oa lier breitst : in *' The
Vtrgitt, MurlTT," ibe beroioe is «uen<3ed, through
lU her EuffeAn^, by an angel diMguited as her pn^e ;
her persecutor ia urjjfed on to destroy her by an
•tuodont 6end, also in di«gctiae. Hera our anxiety
for th« diftreasedf ajid our hatred of th^wiclred,
are completelj stifled, and we are mor> eaitly
a^ected by some burlesque paaaages which follow
is the same le^endarj fttraiD< In the last quored
play, the attendDot an^el pic)is the pockeU of
two debauchees, and Theopbilus oyercomea the
de\il by means of a cross composed of flowers,
which Dorothea had tent him from Paradise*
The etory of ** The Bondman*' is more intricate
tbaa that of*' The Dnke of Milan," >et the former
is a more interesting play ; for in the latter, the
motives of Francisco's conduct^ which occasions
the diitress of the piece, are only disclosed tn nar>
ratioot at the beginniof^ of the fifth act : we there-
fore consider him^ till that moment, as a man
abturdly and unnaturally ricious : but in "The
Bondman/' we have frequent ^lirapifs of a concealtsd
splendour in the character of Pi&3U)d«r, vbich keep
oar attention fixed, and exalt our expt^ctation of the
citaatra{jbe. A more striking comparison might
lie instituted between "The Fatal Dowry" of our
author, and Bowe scopy of it in his " Fair Penitent ;**
but I his H very fuUy and judidoosly done, by the
anthnr of " The ObserTer*,** who has proved auf-
ficieittjy, that the interest of ** The Fair Penitent**
is iDOch weakened, by throwing into narration what
Alastinj^er hod forcibly represented on the stage.
Y et Howe's plsy a rendered much more regular by
the alteration. Farquhar's '• InconsTanl," which is
taken from our authors '* Guardian," and FU^lcbcir's
*^ Wild-goose Cbace, is considerably less etejpuit
and less interesting ; by the plagiarist*! indiscretion,
the lively, facetious Dorazzo of Masfiinger is trang-
formed into a nauseous bufl'oon, in the character of
old AliraheK
The art and judgment witb which our poet con-
ducts his incidents are every whetv admirable. In
'• The Duke a( JVIilan/' our pity for Morcelia would
inspire a detestation of all tlie other chai acters, if ihe
did not facilitate ber rain by the indulgence of on
eicessi re pride. In'* llie Bondman/' Cleora would
be despicable when she chaogei her lover, if I^oh-
tbenes bad not rendered himself unworthy of her«
by a mean jealouay. The violence of Almirn'ii
pftssioo in the " Very Woman," prepares us for its
deciy. Many detached scenes in these pieces pos-
sa uncommon beauties of incident and situ&iiou.
Of tbii) kind are, the interview between Charles V.
and Sfomf, which, thongb notoriously contrary in
ime hisTurv, imd very deficient in the repreaenution
of T ' -r. arrests our attention, and awakens
ir the strongest manner ; the conference
of jiinTu.i^A aod Baptists^ when Sophia's virtue
teomes suspected^ ; the pleadings in '* The Fatal
Dowry*'* r<»»pecting the luneral ntes of Choralois ;
the interview between Don John, disguised as a
f^Kv^, mid hit mistress, to whom be relates his
t -lye all, the meeting of Pisander and
Itehas elicited the revolt of the slaves,
...u'-i K^ ^rri her within his power These scenes
e eminently dxaiiuguished by tiieir novelty i cor-
• Ho. LXXXVIlr. txxxix, xc.
%««0aWof ll»M>."Art. U.
I *• Fkiar*," y/L\ er y Woman." Ji ** BonifraMi."
rectness, and interest ; the most minute critic wi)t
find little waniing, and the lover of truth and nature
can suffer nothing to be tnken nway.
It is DO repronch of our author, that the foundotiun
of several, perhaps all, of his |,tlors may be traced in
different historiaoa, or novelists ; for in supplying
himself from these sources, he followed the practice
of the age. Shakspeare, Jun^ori, and the rest, are '
not more original, in tbis respect, than our Poet ; if
Cartwright may be exempted, he is the only ex-
cepiion to this remark. As the mtnds of nn audience,
unacquainted with the models of antiriuity, cnuld
only be affected bj immediate application to their
passions, our old writers crowded aa many incidents,
and of as perplexing a nature aa possible, into their
works, to support anxiety and expeotition to their
utmost heigh I, In our reformed tra^^ic school, our
pleasure arises from the contemplation of the writer*s
art f and inst«»nd of eagerly watching for the unfolding
of the plot (the imnginatioQ being left at liberty hy
the simplicity of the action), we consider whether it
be prop«»rly conducted. Another reaftotj, however ,f
may be assigned for the intricacy of thoae plots,
namely, the prevailing taste for the manners and
writings of Italy. During the whole of the sixteenth
and part of the seveateenth centuries, It«ly was
the seat of elegance and arts, which the otlier Kuro«
peso nstiona hud begun to admire, but not to imitate.
From causes which it would be foreign to the p re-
seat purpose to enumerate, the Italian wnters
abounded in complicated and interesting stories,
whioh were eogt^rly sei»ed by a people not well
qualified for invention*' ; but the richness, variety,
and distinctness of chnrocter which our writers
added to those tales, conferred beauties on them which
charm us at this hour, however disguised by the
alteration of manners and language.
Exact discrimination and consistency of character
appear in all Massinger's productions ; sumetimea,
indeed, the interest of the piny suifers by his scru-
pulous attention to them. Tlius, in " 1 he Fatal
J>owry,** Churalois's fortitude and determined »ense
of honour are carried to a most uufeeling and bar<
bsroua degree ; and Francisco's villainy, in ** The
JJuke of Alilan,'* is cold and considerate beyond na*
ture. But here we must again plead the sad tiecea*
biiy under which our poet laboured, of pleasing his
audience at any rate. It was the prevailing opinion,
that the characters ought to approach towards each
other as little as poftsible. This was termed art^ and
in con3et|uence of this, as Dr. Hurd say at, some
writers ol thut time have founded their characters on
abaitract ideas, instead of copying from real life.
Tboa«i delicate and beautiful abodea of manoers,
which we admire in Shakspeare, were reckoned in-
accuracies by his con tern }H>raries. Thus Cartwright
says, in his verses to Fletcher, speaking of Shak-
speare, whom be onderyalues, ** nature uat ati hi*
Genertiil manners mnat always influence the stage;
ttfihappily, the manners of Massinc^er's age w**re
pedantic. Vet it must be allowed that our Author's
characters ore less shatract than those of Jousou or
Cartwright, and that, with more dignity, they are
* GartwriKbt and Congr^ve, wbo resemble each othrr
fttrongiy in n>m« TwiiarkB»»te ctrcumtUncea, arc almont oar
iifily (lnin»tUt» who liavc any cLiim to oriK,iii4ltiy ia Ihclr
t *' Euay on tbe Fn)vinc«» of the Dm ma.'*
MKW
ESSAY ON THE WRITINGS OP MASSINGER,
eqanllj nataml with those of FLotcher. IU» con-
oeptioaa tr*** for the moat part, just and nohle. We
huYB « fine instftnce of ihU in the character of Dio-
cletian, whop vf ry differently from the ranting ty
rttits by whom the stage has heen so long- posoeAsocI,
is generous to his ranquiahed enemiet, and perse-
cutes from policy fti much as from zeal. He attracts
our i«ipeot, imiDedialely on hia «pp€«nuice, by tlie
following aeotiments ; —
- In all growing empires.
Even cruelty ia useful ; some must suflVr,
And be s«t up examples to strike ti^rror
In others, though far off: hut, wh«n a atate
I» rutsKJ to her p«rfeotion, and bar baaea
Too firm to shrink, or yield, wt mty tue mercyj
And do't with safety :
Virgin Martyr, Act. I. bc, L
BfonEa ia an elerated character, cast iJi a different
mould ; brare, frank, and gep^roust be ia htirried,
hy the tiiirestramed force of bis passions, ioto fatnl
excesses in love and friendship. He appears with
^reat dignity before the emperor* on whose meroy he
IS thrown, b^ the defeat of bis allies, the French, at
the battle of Paria. After reeounlicg bis oblig»-
lion a to Franois, he proceeds :
If that, then, to be grateful
For courtesies received , or not to lea ire
A friend in bis oecessiilea, be i erime
Amongst yoti Spaniards,
- SforsA brings bis heed
To pay the forfeit. Nor come I as a slave.
Pinion 'd and fettered, in a squalid weed,
Fulling before thy feet, kneeling and howling,
For a farestall'd remission : that were poor,
And would hut shame tby \rictory ; for conquest
Over base foes, is a captivity,
And not a triuinpb* 1 ne'er fear'd to die.
More than I wisb*d to live. When I bad reacb'd
My ends in being a duke, I wore these robes,
This crown upon my head, and to my side
This a word was girt ; and witness truth, that, now
'Tie in another's power when 1 sball part
With them and life together, I'm the same:
My veins then did not swell with pride ; nor now
Shrink tbey for fear.
The Duke of Milan, Act III. sc. it-
Id the scene where Sforza enjoins Francijco to dia*
patch Marcelia, in case of the emperor's proceeding
to extremities against him, the poet boa gi?en him
a strung exprpsion of horror at his own purpose.
After disposing Francisco to obey bis commands
without reserve, by recapitulating the favours con-
ferred on him, Sforut proceeds to impress him with
the blackest view of the inteuded deed :
- But you must swear it ;
And put into the oath ill joys or torments
That fright the wicked, or confirm the good :
Not to conceal it only, tlmt is notbinff,
But whensoe'er my will shall speak. Strike now,
To fall upon't like thunder.
Thou must do, then,
What no malevolent star will dRre to look on.
It ia so wicked : for which men will curse thee
For being ibe instrument; and the blest angels
Fonake me it my need, for bewg the author :
For 'tis a deed of night, of night, Francisco i
In which the momory of alt good actions
We can pretend to, shall be buried quick :
Or, if we be remembered, it shall be
To fright posterity by our example,
That have outgone ail precedents of rilhiinA
That were before us ;
THm Duke &f Milan f Act L ae. tilt*
If we compare this scone, end especially the paft»
sage quoted, with the celebrated scene between King
John and IltibBrt, we shall perceive this remarkable
difference, thtit Sforsa, while he proposes to bia
bfoth<'r-in-law and faivourite, the eventful murder of
hta wife, whom he idolises, is consistent and deter-
mined ; his mind is filled with the horror of ibe
deed, but borne to the execution of it by the inu
pulse of an extruvagtint and fantsatio delicacy}
John, who is actuated solely by the desire of re-
moving his rival in the crown, not only feara to
communicate his purpose to Hubert, though be per*
ceives him to be
A fellow by the hand of nature mark*d,
Quoted, and sign*d to do a deed of shame ;
bat aflerbe has sounded bim, and found him rendy
to execute whatever he can propose, he only hints
at the deed, Sforxa enlarges on the crut-lty and
atrocity of his design ; John is afraid to utter ki»
in the view of the sun : nay, the aanguinary Richard
hesitates in proposing the murder of his nephews
to Buekinf^bom. Jn this instance then, as well as
that of Churahihis, our poet may seetn to deviate from
nature, for ambition is a stronger passion than love,
yet Sforaa decides with more promptness and conS*
dence than either of Shakspvarf'ii characters. We
must consider, however, that timidity and irresolu*
tion are chflmcteristics of John, and that Eicliord*!
hesitation appears to be assumed, only in order to
transfer the guilt and odium of the action to Buck*
ingham.
It was hinted before, that the character of Pisnn
der, in "The Bondman," ismoreinteretting thsnthat
of Sforza, His virtues, so unsuitable to the character
of a slave, the boldness of his designs, and the
steadiness of his courage, excite attention and anx-
iety in the most powerful manner. He is ^perfectly
consistent, and, though lightly shaded with chivalry,
is not deficient in nature or passion. Leosthenes is
also tl)» child of nature, whom perhaps we trace in
some later jealous chnmcters. Cleora is finely
drawn, but to the present a|;e,. perhaps, appears
rather too mascMline : the exhibition of characters
which should wenr an unalterable charm, in their
finest and almost insenDible (ouches, was peculiar to
the prophetic genius of Shakitpeare*. Massinger
has given a strong proof of his genius, by intro-
ducing; in a diff(>renC play, a similar character, in t
like aituatian to that oi Pisander, yet with sufficient
dtscrimination of manners and incident : I mean don
John, in" The Very Woman," wholike Pisander, gains
hiH mistress's heart, under the disguise of a slave.
Don John la a model of magnanimity, aopertor Co
Cato, because be ia free from pedantry and oatMl-
* If MsMlnigvr formttl the Binf^alsrchJinictrr of 3ir GUri
Overreach from hi« own ItTtJiKlimlloo, %»h«i thoald W9> ililaik
uf hii MfMltj', wliu bave ^CD iiiL8 prwtlcalpb«etotiiresltscd
In our cbysT Its sppsreat extravagance reqalrad 1^
support.
Il
riHriii
ESSAY OX THE WRITINGS OF MASSIXGER.
XX3CI
f fiiioa, I b«li«re Le moj b# reganled ag fu ongiD:il
> chvmcter, It wu eaiy to intenrai our feelings far
I all iJli« cbarftct^m already described, but no writer^
I ht^torm Mif«iag«>r, bid uttetnjktfd to mike a pUyer
I lb« h»ro of trag»d/. Thit. however, lie biu wjte-
rar«il with vurpriaing address, in '^ The Eomao
Acftjf/* It must bf» confeised that ParU> the aotor,
» mocb of bU dignity to inddenU ; ai tb« open-
liar of tl*« pUy. be defends hia profesaion suecesi-
I fiiUy brfore the senate ; this artful introduction
[nites hucDf iin our ideas, abare the \erel of bis aitua-
for die noet baa ** grae^ bim with aJl the
of worda;" tbe etupreaa'a paaaion for him
I btm in a atiU tDoro ai^tinj^uiahtHi light, and
I bij death froto tbe hand of the emperor
jbimaetf, in a mock play. It ia, perhaps, from a aense
' tibo difficulty of exalting Paria'a character, and of
IM cUsterit^r requisite to fi\ tJie attention of tbe
.WU^mtf on It, that Moaainger aaja, in tbe dedica-
I of tbia play, tliat ** be ever held it the most
' ct binb of hid Min^rra." 1 know not whether
I ia owiag to de:si^n,or to want of art, that Romool,
m *' Ttk« Fatal Dowry/' intereata ua aa much aa
ChimUm^ tbe hero* If Cbaraloia aurrendera his
bboiif lo procore funeral ntei for bia father, Ro-
~, prerioiiily prorokee tbe court to tmprieon
^ MMkaking with two much animation in the
f hin fnend. Homont, though insulted by
iiacredita hU report of Beaumelle's
J him with aJl the eagerne^ of at-
jTru Cbaraloiaia inroUed in difficulties
hf tlir sunlef of Norall and bia wife, and reireoges
liM ti wt fc, wben be ia ataaasinated by FonlaUer.
fU'irv^ wbo no^lected tbe 6 neat porta of thia tragedy
is hm pbfiannn "Tbe Fair Penitent/* baa not
lyM to oopy tbe fault I bare pointed out. Ilia
HvBlio is a much finer chnracterthan bia Altamoot,
JM W it bqt a puppet wb<rn compared with Maa-
naigerr'a Bomoot. CtimtoU, '^ llie Muid of Honour/'
too apoat debghtfui character; her fidelity, gene*
roeitj, dignity of mantiers, and elevslioo of aenti-
■MBla are 6(irly diaplaved, and nobly sustained
ilia pity that tbe pnet thought bim-
10 debaee all tbe othvr characters in
n nn) i.r f .\ 4^ v ^If ber. There ia an admirable
t of rt, in that ejttraragunt com-
, und Combat.'' The Poet
I Co m\uA tii«t ut of tbe writer whom he here
> • * I haTO known him
Froan biji irst joatb, but never vet obaerred,
Ia aU ibe paavagce ot bia life ana fort noes*
VlfUiea ao mix'd with vieea : ralii^at the world
9ji^ttk9 him,
6nt Leral ia bia gifia too,
Bti' al expense.
A l*«iv^ v^i'jiiK.-iir^i , .III impotent loTer
Of wvoieiL for • iaah, but, bia firea quenched,
tlasisf •§ deadly : Act, II L ec. ii.
Almm aod Cenlenet, in ** The Very Woman/'
W eofieil tr^m ixatore» and therefore never obso-
Im*. Tkay apptv, like many far ou rite characters
to our pnaciiC eomedy, amiable in tbrir Lempers, and
m tlMr •Uacbtnenta, but capricit^ua, and im-
«f flOottd* M«ji)itjt^i'r, with unusual charity,
a pb) aiciiui in a reapeetable point of
play. W« are agreeably interested in
'*, who baa all tbe good nature of Terence's
* "Th« Gaatili4ti."
Mieto, with more apirit. His picture of country
sporta may he viewed with delight, even by tboio
mbo might not relibb the re&Iiiy :
nae before the auD,
Then make a breakfaat of iJie morninfr dew,
S^^rved op bj nature on aome graasy hill ;
You'll find it nectar.
In ** Tbe City Madam" we are presented with tbe
character of a fiuisbed hypocrite, but ao artfullj
drawn, that be appears to be rntlier governed by
external circumstances, to v^hich he odnpts himN^lf,
than to act, like Moliere a Tartu iTe, from a forruul
system of wickedtieaa. His huiuihty ond henevo-
l^noe, while he appears aa a ruined man, nnd aa hit
brother V aer rant, are evidently produced by the
presatire of bia miafortunes, and be di^icorera a
taraeoeu, aroidat the inauUa of his relations, that
indicstea an inherent bajeness of diapoaition*. —
Wben be is informed that hia brother haa retired
from tbe world, and haa left him his immense for-
tune, be seeaui it firat to apprehend a deception ;
O my good lord !
Thia heap of wealth which vou possess me of.
Which to a wordly man had b fen a blessing.
And to the meaaenger might with justice challenge
A kind of adoration, i 9 to me
A curse I cannot thank you for ; and much leai
Rejoice in that tranquillity of mind
Aly bratlier'a vows tutist purchase. I hare made
A dear e:xchaoge with him : he now enjoya
My peace and pOTerty, tbe trouble of
Hia wealth conferr'd on me, und that a burtbea
Too heavy for my weak abouldera.
Act III, BO. lit
Oo receiving tbe will, be begins to promise un-
bounded lenitj to his servants, and makes pro»
fesaions and promiaea to the ladies who used bim
ao cruelly in biji adversity, which appear ut liist to
be ironical, though they take them to bo sincere
He does not display himself till ho has visited bia
wpolib, tbe sight of which dazzlea and n^toniahea
bim 50 far aa to throw bim off bis guard, and lo
render him iuaolent. Maasinger displnyH a know*
led^ of man, not very uauol with dramaiic writers,
while he represents the same person as prodigal of
a smdl fortune in hiayuulli, servile and hypocritical
in his djatreaaea, arbitrary and mpacioua in tbe
poseession of wraith suddenly acquired : for tbose
seeming changes of cberacter depend on tbe same
diapositioD variously influenced ; 1 tnena on m base
and feeble mtnd, incapable of resisting tbe power of
external ctrcumstsacei. In order, however, to
prepare ut for tbe extravagances of thia cbamcter,
after he ia enriched, the poet dehneates bis exces-
ftive transports on viewing hia wi^altb, in a speecb
which cnnnot be injured by a comparisoQ witb any
solihiquy in our language :
'Twaa no fantastic object, but a truth,
A real truth ; nor dream : I did not slumber^
And could wake ever witb a brooding eye
To gaxeupon't! it did endure the touch,
I saw and felt it ! Y«t whsit I beheld
And bandied olV, did sn (ninscend belief,
(My wonder ojtd aatontHhmeal pass'd o*er)i
I faintly could give credit to my senses.
* Sceparlkalaily hliteldoqay, Ati 111. Sc. lb
Thou dumb mtgioiaii^^Titkriig out a keylt — ^ihftt
wttbout n chiuin
DidVt make my entrance easy, to possess
What wis« men wJ»)i and toil tot ! Hennes*
moly,
Stbylla'a golden bnugb, the great elixir,
Imflgioed only by tbe ftlcbyaoiit,
CompAred wiib thee wre ihidowa,— tbou the
siibiiiance,
And ganrdion of felicity ! No marrel
Wy brotbor made thy place of rest bis boBOtn^
I'bou being the kp«p«r of Uts beiirt, a mistress
To be bugg'd ever ! In b^'-comer« of
This Mcred room, siker in bags, be«p*d ap
IJke bUlets saw'd and ready for the fire,
Unwonhy to bold fe1Iowi>bip wiib bright gold
Thai flow'd about the room, conceal'd itself.
There needs no arti^citl light ; the splendour
Makes a perpetunl day there, night and darlrneaa
By that sttll-burning lamp for ever bmiUh'd !
But when, guided by that, my eyej had made
Discovery of the ca^ketp, and they open'd,
FmcJi sparkling diamond from iitclf ihot forth
A pyramid qfjhma^ and in the n^oj
Fitd it a glcrioutttnr, and made the plact
Heavtn'» abitract or epitome f — mbtea, sapphires*
And ropet of oriental pearl ^ thcM teei), 1 could
not
But look on gold with contempt** And yet I
found
What weik crediiUty could hire no faith in,
A tressura firwceadiog tbeM : h**re lay
A minor bound fast in a skin of parchment,
The wax continuing hard, the acres meltiag \
Here a sure deed of gift for « market town.
If not redeem 'd this day, which i« not in
The tinthrift's power ; there being scarce one abire
In WeJea or England where my moaiea are not
Lent out at usury, the certain hook
To draw in more. 1 am sublmied I ip-oaa earth
Supports me not; 1 walk on air! Who's
there I
EntMrL(*rd Lacy uiih S»> John FnucAL,5irMAtrHiCK
Lacv, and Plkuti', duguited at Indian*,
ThieTea ! raiae the street ! tbieT^a I
Act III. ac. iii
It was a great effort, by which sucb a train of vio-
lent emotions, and beautiful images was drawn, with
the strictest propriety, from the indulgence of a psji-
aion to which other poeta can only give interest in
its anxieties and disappointments* Every stsntiiaeoC
ID this fine soliloquy is touched with the bund of a
master ; the apeaker, overcome by the splendour of
bia acquisitions, can acarcely persuade himself that
ibe avdnt la real \ ** it is no fantasy, but a truth ; a
riial triJtb, no dream ; he does not slumber \* the
natural language of ono who strives to convince
himself that be is fortunate beyond alt probable
eitpectation ; for " he could wake ever to ga^e upon
bia treaaure ;" again be reviirts to his assurences ^
* to thetie ^Dotxckinj th« pitKiiut f i!l)U»ik iiaa Iwea bUherto
rollowtij, Df '^ 0f Mr. M.
BlAbiti'iit III 1^ '*jry Id iiTiif
on \he pir«*cnii i n' ito ih liia
exc«p'tLuo tu ihb {i|{;uc(dil LJ(ii<.U« tuc ^'i •' «
lioo. Tlir rci.ri«r wtto wbiif^i to know \ •■
rvalty K^vrii by r>i< Po«i,»ii)iiit inrn tii j i ^
fvUl Anil Ui«m ta be si (tu^ia^ ind litiiiMAUUAUA a& uiy ptrt
Of tbe «pc«cb.— Euifoa.
" it did <>ndure the touch , be saw and f«U tt"
These broken exclamations aud anxious repedtiofiSf \
are the pure voice of nature. Recovering from bis
aatonisihment, his mind dilutes with the value ofbii
possessions* and tbe poet 6nely directs the whole
gratitude of this mean character to the key of faia (
stores. In the description which follows, there isa j
striking climax in sordid luxury i that paaaag* wh^m I
Each sparkling diamond from itself shot forth
A pyramid of flames^ and in the roof
Fix'd it a gloiioua star, and made the place
Heavea*a abstract, or epitome !
thoygb founded on a false idea tn natnral bisicr
long since exploded, is amply excused by the sin*
gular and beautiful image which it presenta. The |
contemplation of bis enormous wealth, still ampU'> ]
fied by his fancy, transports him at length to a degree J
of frenzy ; and now seeing strangers approach, h^i
cannot conceive them to come upon any design but]
that of robbing him, and with the appeasing of bttj
ridiculous alarm, this storm of passion subsides, J
which stands unrivalled in its kind in dramsci« |
history. The soliloquy possesses a very uncommon ]
beauty, that of forcible dencription united with I
passion and character. I should scarcely besiratt 1
to prefer the description of Sir John Frugal's counl*!
ing-house to Spenser's boose of riches* 1
It is very remarkable, that in this passsge the
versification is so exact (two lines only excepted),
and the diction eo pure and elegant, thai, altbougb j
much more than a century has ekp&ed since it was 1
written, it would be, perhaps, impossible to alter thtti
measure or laognsge without injury » and certainljr rerf I
difficult to produce an equal length of hlanlt rerttJ
from any modern poet, which should bear a comparii* 1
Bon with Masi»ioger'8,even in the mechanical part ofl
its construction. This observatiom may be extended to [
alt our poet's productions : majesty, elegance, and
sweetness of aiction predominate in them. It is
needless to quote any single passage for proof of ^
this, because none of thoae which I am going j
to iatrodace will afford any exception to tbii
remarL Independent of character, the writings of |
this great poet ubound with noble passages* It ii
only in the productions of true poetical genius that
we meet successful allusions to sublime natunl
objects; the attempts of an inferior writer^ io this ,
kind, are either borrowed or disgusting. If Waa-
stogor were to be tried by this rule alone, we must
rank him very high ; a few instances will prove this*
Theopbilus, speaking of Dioctcaian*a arrival, says,
The mirches of great prinoof ,
Like to the motions of prodigeous meteors,
Are step by sltp observed ;
Virgin Marttfr, Act I. le. V
Tbe iDtroductory circumstancea of a tbreateolng pieM
of iateltij^iice, are
but creeping billows.
Not got to shore yet : lit. Act II, ««. ii-
In the same play, we meet with this charming iniag«»
applied to a modest young nohlemim :
The sunbeams which the emperor throws t»pon him,
Shine tliere but as in water, and gild bim
Not with ono spot of pride : Jft» ■©• iii.
No other figure could so happily illustrate tbe
peace and purity of an ingenuous mind, uncorrupted
ESSAY OK THE WRITINGS OF MAS9INGER,
zstm
r ftToar. Maninger aeemi food of this rbou$*hl ;
» meeliritb a aimiW one in "Tbe Guardian .**
I have •een thoM ejec irttb pleasant glancea pUjr
Upon Adorio's^ tike Pboebe'ft sbinei
Gildiog a cryattl river ; Act IV. ae, i.
Iiere are two parallel paasMf«t in Sbakspeare^ to
bom w« are probably tadebted for this, as well tui
r maoy other fioe images of our poet. The fimt
in " Tb* Winter's Tale ;"
He saya he lores my daugbter :
I llnnk 80 too : for nerer gaxed the moon
UpOtt llie water, au bp'll stand and r«adt
A* *t«r«re my daughter*! eyes. Act I V. ao« iv-
b« aeoofid is ludicrous ;
ii^. Voucbsare, bright moon, and these thy stars,
to Abitie
(Those clouds remoT'd) upon our irai*ry
eyne,
as- 0» tiio petitioner ! beg' a greater matter ;
*l'hou now request^it bul moon-sbtne in the
Lfivt't LabourU Lost, Act V. sc, ii.
Mlowiog bnages are applied, I think, in a nevr
as tbe sun,
Tbou didst rise gloriously. kepl*st a constant
courM
In all fhy journey \ and now, in the evening,
When ibou tbould'st pass with honouf to thy rest,
Wiit tbou fail tike a meteor ?
Virgin^MHTtyf,, Act V. so. ii*
stimmer friendship,
WbOM flatlenng leaves tbnt ahadowM tis in our
Pf«fP«rity» with the least gust drop off
la the iotujuji of ad verity.
Maid fffUenouTt Act 11 T. sc* i>
A the last quoted play, Camiota says, to perplexity,
. • * Whit a sea
Of meltiog ice I walk on ! Act III. sc. iv.
A vefy ooblo figure, in the following |ia»sage, aeems
orrowed from Shakapeare ;
What a bridge
Of glass I walk upon, over a riv^r
Of certain ruin, mint own tttighti^ /^rs
Crocking whttt ihouM tupp^rt me !
Th$ Bmiiman^ Acl IV. sc iii.
Vtl read you matter deep and dangerous i
A s ftill of peril nnd sd vent 'rout apirit,
A a do o*er-w«Ik a current, rosring loud,
On tbe uosteadfnst footing of a spear.
lUnrv IF,, Part 1. Act L ic. iti.
ijt eaiinol he denied that Masftinger has improved
bis original: be cannot be said to borrow,
properly lui to imitate. This remark may he
ippUed to' many other pasaages : thus llarpax's
BUcuacff,
111 take tbee - - md hang thee
In a conforled cbam of icicles
in the frigid tone :
TAs Virg\n'Mar\}fr, Act V. sc. i.
'.M, derived from the same source with that passage
Meaaure for Measure," where it is said to be
a paoishmeot iii a future state.
I
- - - - to reside
In thrilling regions of thick-rihbed ieet
Again, in " The Old Law/* we meet with a psssage
aimilar to a much celebrated one of Shukspeare'a,
but copied with oo common hand :
In my youth
I wtis a soldier, no coward in my Age|
I never turn*d my back upon ray foe ;
1 have felt nature's winters, sicknesses,
Y'et ever kept a lively sap in me
To greet the cheerful sprwg of heal lb again.
Act L sc. i.
Though T look old, yet I am strong and lusty t
For in my youth I never did apply
Hot and rebellious liquors to ray blood;
Nor did not with unbashful forehead woo
The means of weakness and debility ;
Therefore my age is as a lusty winter,
Frosty, but kindly*.
Ai You LikA It, Act. II. sc. ill*
Our poet*s writioga are stored with line senti-
ments, and tbe same observation which bus been
made on Shakspeare's, holds true of our Author, that
his sendmeots are so artfully introduced, that they
api>eBr to come uncalled, and so force themselves on
the mind of the apeakerf. In the legendary play of
" Tbe Virgin-Martyr," Angelo delivera a beau-
tiful sentiment, perfectly in tbe spirit of the piece:
Look on the poor
With gentle eyes, for in such habits, often,
Angels desire an alms.
When Francisco, in '* The Duke of Milan," suc-
ceeds in hid designs against tbe life uf Marcelia, be
remarks with exultation, that
When he'a a suitor, that brings cunning arm'd
With power, to be his advocates, the denial
la a disease as killing as tbe plague.
And chastity a clue that leads to death.
Act IV. sc ii.
Pisander, in '♦ The Bondman/* moratites the inso-
letice of the slaves to their late tyraota, af^er the
revolt, in a manner that lends strongly to inlereal
us in his clia meter;
Here tbey, that never see themselves, but in
The glass of servile flatler^s might behold
Tb© weak foundation upon which they build
Their trust in human frailty. Happy are tJiose,
That knowing, in their births, they are subject to
Uncertain chungf, are still prepared, and arm'd
For eitbf'r fortune : a rare principle, ^
And with much labour, learn d in wisdom ■
fchool !
For, as these bondmen, by their actions show
That their prosperity, like too large a sail
For their small bark of judgment, sinks thero with
A ibre-ritiht gale of liberty, ere ihey reach
The port they lang to touch at : so these wretches,
• In to t]iprv»*ion of Arclmlaintu, in "The Boii'1iB»n;*
we rtlicover, pcrtwpa, the oriRhi of *a lra«|C In " FaradlM
— I — O'tr oarheadi, with lall ilrelch'd wiai*.
Detinitlion hovcn. Tht Bitndmm, Act L te. UU
Mittoii Bay* of Swiatt,
//{« Mail broad vanns
H« iprf«<1» for flight.
t Hr». Monupi'i "" Ewny on Shakipeare.
ESSAY ON TriE WRITINGS OF MAS8INGER,
SwoIloQ with tlie fjiha opininn of tbetr wortb,
And proud of blca&iu^a left tli<?in, nor. acquired j
TIml did twlicvo thvy could *vitl» giant ftrras
Futbom the eortli, and were above ibeir fates,
Those borrow 'd bdpa tbnt did aujiport them,
rnniab'd «
Fidl of tbemfielires, nnd by unmimlj auffering,
Betmy t!ieir proper weakueas. Act JIT. m. iiL
His tomplumt of tbe bftrdsbips of Blayerymust Dot
be entiidlj pnssed over :
The noble horae,
Thtti, in hiifierjf ttouthy/rom hit uuUnostrilt
Neighed caurage to ha nder^ and brake through
Groves of opposed pikes, bearing hU lord
Safe to triumphant victory ; old or wounded
Was set at liberty, and freed from service.
The Athetiian mutei, that from the quarry drevr
J^lnrble, hew'd for ihe temples of tbe g^ods,
Theg^reat work ended, were dismissed and fed
At tbe public cost ; nay» faithful dogs have found
Their sepulchres j but roan, to man more cruel,
Appointa no end to the suiferinga of his stare.
/6,Aci IV. sc, it,
Thesenieof degradation in a lofty mind, hurried
into vice by a furious and irresiatible passion.
is expressed very happily in " The Reaegndo/' by
Douuaa :
What poor means
Ulust 1 make use of now ? anri fiattersuch^
To whom, till 1 belrav*d my Hbertv,
One gracious look of mine would bare erected
An altar to my service ! Act IL sc. i. j
Again, !
that I should blush i
To «peftk what 1 so much desire to do !
When Mathias, in '* The Picture,'* is informed by
iho magical akill of bis friend, Ihnt bis wife's bonour
ia ia danger, his £rat exclamations have ut least us
much aeutiment as passion ;
- - It is not more
Impoaaibfe in nature for gross bodies.
Deace&ding of themselves to hang in the air;
Or with my aingle arm to underprop
A falling tower : nay, in its violent coune
To stop the lightnine^, tbtin lo stay a woman
Hurried by two furies, I u at end futehoodj
In ber fuUi career to wickedness !
1 am thrown
From a ateep rock headlong into a gulph
Of misery, and bnd mysi^lf past hope,
In the same moment that I apprebend
That i am falling. Act IV. ao. i.
But if Massinger doea not always exhibic tbe live-
liest and most natural expressions of pajMion \ if,
like moat other poets, he sometimes substitutes de-
olamatioo for tliose expressions ; in deacription at
least he puts forth all \m strength, and never
disappoints ua of an astonisbiog exertion. We may
be content to rest his character, in tlie deaortption
of passion^ on the following single instance. In
•• The Very Woman.'* Almtra*s Lover, Cardenea, is
dangerously wounded in a qtiarrol, bv don Johii
Antonio, wbo pays his editresses to her. Take,
now, a description of Almira's frenzy on this event,
whicb ibe prodigal author baa put into the mouth
of a chambermaid :
If the slumber'd, atrai^bt^
As if some dreadful vision had appear'd,
Sbe started up. her hntr unbound, and, with
Distracted looks, staring about tbe chambevj
She tisksalotid, Wheti is MartlnoJ tchtn
Httvt yon cmtceakd him ? aometimei Dttttit
Antonio.
Tremhting in tvery joint, her browt c^ntraet^d^
H&r fair fact a$ 'twtrg changed into a etine,
her handi hftd up thux ; and, as if her worda
Wife too big to find passage tbroagh her jhoiM]^
Sbe rjroans, then tbrows herself upon ber bed.
Beating her breast. Act II. ac. iii
To praise or to elucidate this passage, would be
equally superfinousi ; I am acquamted with oothiag
supBrior lo it, in descriptive poetry, aud it would !»
bardy to brin^ any single instance in rompetitioo
with it. Our poet is not less bappy io his descrip*
tions of inanimate nature, and bis descriptions bear
the peculiar stamp of true genius tn their beautiful
conciseness. What an exquisite picture does be
present in the compass of less than two lines I
- yon hangiug clif, tbat glasses
His rugged forehead in the neighbouring Idee.
Renegadot Act H. 6<o* v*
Thus also Dorotbi*a'« description of Paradise :
There* $ a |^erpet^al spring, perpetual youth :
No joint'benumbing cold, or scorching beet,
Famine, nor age, bnve any being tbere.
Z7«f Virgin Martyr^ Act IV. Sc. iii.
After all the encomiums on a rural life, and after
all the soothing sentiments and beautiful images
larisbed on it by poets wbo never lived in the
countrv, I^fnsaioger baa furnished one of the moat
cliarmfng unborrowed descriptions that caa be pro^
duced on the subject ;
Happy the golden mean [ bad T heeu bom
In a poor sordid cottage, not curs'd up
Witb expectation to command a court,
I mighty like such of your couditioOf sweetest,
Have tik'eit a safe and middle course, and not.
As I sm now, against my choice, compelPd
Or lo lie grovelling on the earth, or raised
So high upon the pinnacles of state,
Tbat I must either keep my height with danger^
Or fall with certain ruin
» we might walk
In solitary groves, or in choice gnrdens ;
From the variety of curious flowers
Contemplate nature's workmanship and wonders *
And then, for change, near to the murmur of
Some bubbling fountain, I might hear you ling,
And, from tbe well-tuned accents of your tong«e»
lu my imagination conceive
With what melodious harmony a quire
Of angels sing aboro tbeir Maker s praises.
And then with cbaste discourse, as we retum*d.
Imp feathers to the broken wings of time ;i—
walk into
The silent groves, and bear the amorous birds
Warbling ttieir wanton notes ; here, a sure shade
Of barren siccamorea, which tbe all-seeing sun
Could not pierce through ; near that,an arbour hung
W itti spreading eglantine ; there, a bubbling spring
Watering a bank of bvacintbs and lilies ;
77nf Gfwi Dafce ^ 'FfortiM*, Act 1. Sc. i. and
Act IV, Sc. ti.
J
ESSAY ON THE WRITINGS OF MASSINGER.
IM u» oppote to tbese peaceful and iogloriom ima-
ges, tbe picture of a triumph by the same masterly
- - - when she riews yon,
Like a triumphant conqueror, carried through
Tbe streeU of Syracuse, the glad people
Pressing to meet you, and the senators
Contending who shall heap most honours on you ;
Tbe oxen, crown'd with garlands, led before you,
Appointed for the sacrifice ; and the alurs
fimoking with thankful incense to the gods :
The soldiers chaunting loud hymns to your praise,
The windows fill'd with matrons and with Tirgins,
Throwing upon your head, as you pass by,
Tbe choicest flowers, and silently inroking
Tbe queen of lore, with their particular tows.
To be thought worthy of yon
tke Bondman, Act III. Sc. iw.
Emy tbmg here is animated, yet erery action is ap-
propnste: a painter might work after this sketch*
without requiring an additional circumstance.
Tbe speech of young Charalois, in the funeral pro-
eesaion, if too metsphorical for his character and
situatioii. is at least highly poetical :
How Uke a silent stream shaded with night.
And gliding sofUy with our windy sighs,
MoTes the whole firame of this solemnity !
Whilst I, the only murmur in this mre
Of death, thus hollowly break forth.
Th§ Fatal Dowry, Act II. So. i.
It may afford some consolation to inferior genius,
to reman that even Massinger sometimes employs
pedantic and OTcrstrained allusions. He was fond
of displaying the little military knowledge he pos-
s u sse d , whkh he introduces in the following
passage, in a most extraordinary manner : one beau-
tifttl image in it must excuse the rest :
- - - were Margaret only fair.
The cannon of her more than earthly form.
Though mounted high, commanding all beneath it.
And ramm'd with bullets of her sparkling eyes,
Cf all the bulwarks that defend your senses
Could batter none, but that which guards your sight.
But - - - -
when you feel her touch, and breath
Uko a it/t tpertem wind, whgn it gUdet o*er
Arabia, crmting gunu and ipiea ;
And in the Tan, the nectar of her lips.
Which you must taste, bring the battalia on.
Well arm'd, and strongly lined with her discourse,
Hippolytus himself would lesTO Diana,
To follow such a Venus.
A New Way to Pay Old Debu, Act III. Sc. L
What pity, that he should erer write so extrsTa-
gantly, who could produce this tender and delicate
image, m another piece :
What's that? oh, nothing but the whispering wind
Breathes through yon churlish hawthorn, that grew
rude.
As if it chid the gentle breath that kiss'd it.
Tho Old Law, Act IV. Sc. ii.
I wish it could be added to Massinger's just praises,
that be had preserred his scenes from the impure
dialogue which disgusts us in most of our old
writers. But we may observe, in defence of his
failure, that several causes operated at that time
to produce such a dialogue, ana that an author who
subsisted by writing, was absolutely subjected to
the influence of those causes. The manners of the
age permitted great freedoms in language; tbe the-
atre was not frequented by the best company : the
male part of the audience was by much tbe more
numerous ; and what, perhaps, had a greater efi*ect
than any of these, the women's parts were performed
by boys. So powerful was the effect of those cir-
cumstances, that Carlwrigbt is the only dramatist of
that age whose works are tolerably free from inde-
cency. Massinger's error, perhaps, appears more
strongly, because his indelicacy has not always the
apology of wit ; for, either from a natural deficiencv
in that Quality, or from the peculiar model on which
he had formed himself, his comic characters are less
witty tlian those of his contemporaries, and when
he attempts wit, he frequently degenerates into
buffoonery. But he has showed, in a remarkable
manner, the justness of his taste, in declining the
practice of quibbling ; and as wit and a quibble were
supposed, in that age, to be inseparable, we are per-
haps to seek, in his aversion to the prevailing fully,
the true cause of his sparing employment of wit
Our Poet excels more in the description than in
the expression of passion ; this may be ascribed, in
some measure, to his nice attention to the fable :
while bis scenes are managed with consummate skill,
the lighter shades of character and sentiment are
lost in the tendency of each part to the catastrophe.
The prevailing beauties of his productions are
dignity and elegance; their predominant fault is
want of passion.
The melody, force, and variety of his versification
are every where remarkable : admitting the force of
all tbe objections which are made to tbe employment
of blank verse in comedy, Massinger possesses
charms sufficient to dissipate them all. It is, indeed,
equally diff'erent from that which modern authors
are pleased to style blank verse, and from tbe flip-
pant prose so loudly celebrated in tbe comedies of
tbe day. The neglect of our old comedies seems
to arise from other causes, than from the employ-
ment of blank verse in their dialogue ; for, in
general, its construction is so natural, that in the
mouth of a good actor it runs into elegant prose.
The frequent delineations of perishable manners, in
our old comedy, have occasioned this neglect, and
we may foresee tbe fate of our present fashionable
pieces, in that which hasattended i onson's, Fletcher's,
and Massinger's: they are either entirely overlooked,
or so mutilated, to fit them for representation, as
neither to retain the dignity of the old comedy, nor
to acquire the graces of the new.
The changes of manners have necessarily pro-
duced very remarkable effects on th«>atrical perform-
ances. In proportion as our best writers are
further removed from the present times, they
exhibit bolder and more diversified characters,
because the prevailing manners admitted a fuller
display of sentiments in the common intercourse of
life. Our own times, in which the intention of
polite education is to produce a general, uniform
manner, afford ifttle diversity of character for the
stage. Our dramatists, therefore, mark the dis-
tinctions of their characters, by incidents more than
by sentiments, and abound more in striking situ-
ations, than interesting dialogue. In the old
ESSAY ON THE WRITINGS OF MASSINGER.
comedy, the eatastropbe is oceasiofied, in genntl,
by a change in the mind of some principal cluiracter,
artfully prepared, and caationsly conducted ; in the
modem, the unfolding of the plot is effected by the
OTertuming of a screen, the opening of a door, or
by some other equally dignified machine.
When we compare Massinger with the other
dramatic writers ot his age, we cannot long hesitate
where to place him. More natural in his charac-
ters, and more poetical in his diction than Jonson
or Cartwrigbt, more elerated and nenrous than
Fletcher, the only writers who can be supposed to
contest his pre-eminence, Massinger ranlEs imme*
diately under Shakspeare himself.
It must be confessed, that in comedy Massinger
falls considerably beneath Shakspeare; his wit is
less brilliant, and his ridicule less delicate and
yarious; but he affords a specimen of elegant
comedy*, of which there is no arehetyps m hit
great predecessor. By the rules of a rery jadidoos
critict, the characters in this piece appear to be of
too elerated a rank for comedy: jret though
the plot is somewhat embarrassed by this drcnm-
stance, the diverait^, spirit, and eonsistenoy of the
chsracters render it a most interesting jmj. In
tragedy, Massinger is rather eloquent than pathecie;
3ret he is often as majestic, and geneiallj man
elegant than his master ; he is as powerful a ralsr
of the understanding as Shakspeare is of the pas-
sions: with the disadrantages of suooeeding that
matchless poet, there is stfll much origbial beauty in
his works; and the most eztensire aoquaintanct
with poetry will hardly diminish the pleasure of •
reader and admirer of Massinger.
• "The Great Dake ot Florence."
f See the ** EsMy on the FroTiBcssoT the Drama."
COMMENDATORY VERSES ON MASSINGER.
wron Tins wobe (the dvib op milan) op his bkloved
fraiSNO THB AUTHOR.
I AM snapt already, and may go my way ;
The poet-critic's come ; I bear him say
This youth's mistook, the author's work's a play.
He eoald not miss it, he will straight appear
At sach a bait ; 'twas laid on purpose there
To uke the Termin, and I hare him here.
Sirrah ! yon will be nibbling ; a small bit,
A syllable, when you're in the hungry fit.
Will serre to stay the stomach of your wit
Foot, knare, what worse, for worae cannot deprare
thee; ^
And were the deril now instantly to hare thee.
Thou eanst not instance such a work to save thee,
'Mongst all the ballads which thou dost compose.
And what thou stylest thy poems, ill as those.
And Toid of rhjrme and reason, thy worse prose.
Yet like a rude jack-sance in poesy.
With thoughts unblest, and hand unmannerly*
Ranshing branches from Apollo's tree ;
Thou mak'st a garland, for thy touch unfit.
And boldly deck'st thy pig-brain'd sconce with it.
As if it were the supreme head of wit :
The blameless Muses blush ; who not allow
That reverend order to each vulgar brow.
Whose sinful touch profanes the holy bough.
Hence, shallow prophet, and admire the strain
Of thine own pen, or thy poor cope-mate's vein j
This piece too curious is for thy coarse brain.
Here wit, more fortunate, is join'd with art.
And that most secret frenzy bears a part.
Infused by nature in the poet's heart.
Here may the puny wits themselves direct,
Heie may the wisest find what to affect,
And kings may learn their proper dialect.
On then, dear friend, thy pen, thy name, shall spread,.
And shouldst thou write, while thou shalt not be-
read.
The Muse must labour, when thy hand is dead.
W.B*.
THE author's PRIEND TO THE READER, ON ** THB
BONDMAN."
The printer's ha«te calls on ; I must not drive
My tmie past six, though I begin at five.
One hour I have entire, and 'tis enough.
Here are no gipsy jigs, no drumming stuff.
Dances, or other trumpery to delight.
Or take, by common way, the common sight.
The author of this poem, as he dares
To stand the austerest censures, so he cares
• W. B.] TiB tbe opiDk>n of Mr. Re«d, that the iolUaU
W. B. BUnd for WUIiam Brown, the author of " BrUtannU't
PaBtorals. I see no reason to think otherwise, except that
Ben Jonson, whom W. B. seems to attack all throngh this
poem, had greatly celehrated Brown's "Pastorals;" bat,
hideed, Johson was so capricions in his temper, that we
mnat not soppose him to be very constant in his friendships.
Davibs.
This is a pretty early specimen of the Judgment which
Davies brought to the elucidation of his work. Not aline,
not a syllable of this little poem can, by any violence, be
tortured into a reflecti(>n on Jonson, whom he supposes to
be '* attacked all through it I'* In 1612, when dt was written,
that great poet was at the height of his reputation, the euvv,
the admiration, and the terror, of his contemporaries : would
a " young" writer presume to term such a man " fool,
knave,*' &c.? would he — but the enquiry is too absurd for
farther pursuit.
I know not the motives which induced Mr. Reed to at-
tribute these stanzas to W. Brown; they may, 1 think, with
some probability, be referred to W. Basse, a minor poet,,
whose tribute of praise is placed at the head of the commen-
datory verses on Shakspeare ; or to W. Barksted, author of
" Myrrha tlie Mother of Adonis," a poem, 1607. Barksted.
was an actor, as appears from a Ust of •* the principal come-
dians" who represented Jonson's " Silent Woman ;»» and*
therefore, not less likely than the author of " Briunnia's
Pastorals,** to Ba>. that,
** in tbe way of poetry* now a-days,
Of all that arc called works the best are playi."
There is not much to be said for these introductory poemr,
which must be viewed rather as pro«>fs of friendship than
of talents. In the former editions thoy are given with
degree of ignorance and Inattention truly i
COMMENDATORY VERSES ON MASSINGER.
A a little what it it ; bia cwn bf«t way-
la to be judg^e, awd author of liii play ;
It is bis knowlefjge makes him ilms flvcure ;
Kor does bo writ« to |kleftSL'. but to emlure»
And, reader, if vou have tiisbatd^d a aihilliug,
To ^e thid worthy ^tory. aikd ana willing
To have a larg^e increase, ii ruleO by me,
Vou may a merchant and a poet he.
Ti9 granted for your twelvp-|>©nce you did ait,
And »ee, and bear, and underiitand not yet«
1'ho author, lo a Chriatisiii pity, takes
Care of your good, and prints it for your sakes,
Tbttt stich as will but renture iixpenoe moro»
lllay know what they but miw and beard before i
Twill not be money lost, if jou can read
('Tbere'a all tb«) doubt now), but your ^ina exceed,
If you can undenland, and you ure made
Fre« of the freest oiid tho nubtest trade ;
And in the way of poetry, now-a-Uaya,
Of all tbat are'caird woVka the b««t ata playa.
W, B.
TO jiv iioNounEt> FRIEND, HAaTEn pniLir ViS^
aiNGER, UPON ltl£ *' RtNtOAtXj/*
Dabblcri in poetry, tbat only can
Court thia weak lady, or that gentleman.
With aotno luo»u wit in rhyme ^
Olbyrs that fright the time
Into belief, with mighty wordi thrit tear
A passtige ihroui^h the ear;
Or nicer men,
Thst through a perspective will sue a play.
And use it the wronjr way
(>iQt worth thy pen),
Though all iheir pnde exalt ibem, cannot be
Competent judges of tby lines or thee.
I must confess I bare no public nome
To reacue judgment, no pootic fiame
To dreau thy Muse witb praise.
And Fhccbue hia own buya ;
Yet 1 commend this poem, and dare tell
1 he world 1 liked It Well j
And if there be
A tribe who in their wiadoma dare aceuie
This off?«prin^ o[ thy Mute,
Let then» n^jree
Couipire one comedy, and they will say,
*Tis easier to commejid tboji luuke a pUj<
Jambs SniRULY*.
TO Ita WORTH Y tniEKD, MABTCH FIITLII* UASStKCEA, OM
ITlfl PLAY CAUL'o TUi- '*ltSMOAOO."
The bosom of a friend cannot breath forth
A tinttering phrase tq a[}4>ak the ooble worth
01 bim tbat bath lodged in hia hoaest breast
So largo a title : I, among the rest
That honour thee, do oa\y seem to praise,
Wajjiing the flowers of art to deck that bays
Merit has croirn'd thy temples with* Know,
friend,
Thoug^b there are some who merely do commetid
* Jaui^ SiiiBi.EY.] A will kiiawn cirjintiific nrUcr.
Hit ^vorkf, if^lilch arc wty vuluminoiit, \u%^t nrver been
«<t)irclrrl rii nti utilfiirn oftttl.ir), MJi'Ugh UJ>\\ fU'frvInx "^
It, Hi iM tn*uy i»f III i *omc,
••y U»i I I him ctinjil |>wct.
ii« ill"" H\u« mu'nv ' il «ftd
pttblMtcii ill o vs.. hy Mr, tittfaitl htm.* lu
To live i' the world's opinion sacb es oan
Censure with judgment, no such piece of man
Makes up ray spirit; where deacrt does HFe»
Th*»re will I plant my wonder, and there give
My best cndearours to build up his story
1 btt truly merits. I did erer glory
To behold virtue rich ; though cruel Fftte
In scornful rodice does beat low their staM
1 hnt best deserve ; when others that but knov
Only to scribble, and no more, oft grow
Great in tbeir favours that would seem to be
Patrons of wit, and modest poesy ;
Vet, with your abler friends, let me say tfata.
Many mtiy strive to equal you, but miss
Of your toir scope; this work of yours men may
Throw in the face of envy, and then say
I'o those, ibat are in greut men*8 thoughts mofi I
bleat,
Imitate this, and call that work year best.
^'et wise men, in this, and too often err,
\\ hen they their love before the work prefvr.
Ifl should say more, some may blame me fur*C,
Seeing your menu speak youj not report.
Dhhtwi.' LAttm*
TO mi oeah raiNKs the autiiob, ok tue " aoMAii
ACTOR.'*
I AM no great admirer of the plays,
Poets, or actors, tljat are now»a.tiay« ;
Yet, in this work of thine, me thinks, I see
Sufficient reason for idolutry,
EB4]b line thou host taught Caesar is as hi»^h
As he could apeak, when jjroveling flattery.
And his own pride (forgetting heuren's rod)
By hia edicts styled himself great Lord and Ood,
by thee,agiiiti, tho laurel crowns his head.
And, thus revived, who can affirm him dead I
Such power lies in this lofty etraiu as can
Give swords and legions to Domitian :
And wheu thy Paris pleads in the defence
Of actors, every grace and excelleace
Of ailment for that subject ore by thee
Contracted ma sweet epitome.
Nor do thy women the tired hearers vex
With language no way proper to their seit.
Just like a cunning painter thou let*s fall
Copies more fair than tlie origiuiil,
ril add but this : from all ilie modern pla3rs
I'he stage hath lately born, this wins the bays;
Atid if It come to trial, boldly look
To carry it clear, thy witneaa being thy book.
J • J
IN rmLLlFI aiA5S[l»GliU TOkTJt. SLEHAtn-ISB ACTOftkM
tlQiiA9iVM TYIMB KSCt^StJM.
Afjr«EciJrov.
EccK Philtppinnr celebrata Traga^dia Mus&e,
iiuam Eu^eus Britouum Ilosciusf esfit, adeat.
* T< J.) Coveier give» iUc*e ioiiiida lo Sir ThniiiAt J^y,
or Je^y, to wliiuti <liv play i« rlt-iHeaieil : tie it, iirulMbtv
right* 2^kr I'liouutt ^hu wf ** ii«> crr'iit iilMiiliier of ib«
ntA)t»rtiU tlH)», when JuniKia* iililrlcy, Furti, tkc, wcr«
In full vlnmir, wunld rK4» 1 autprct, be allujerilicr eamp-
Inrtfl ll hv ciinlil Hltiirti Ihoav *>* onrti '
t Rowcint^] TI»U w«a J«i*tph Tiytur, whoie nsmft <
111 R iiibACqurbl f»Mgc.
COMMENDATORY VERSES ON MASSINGER.
Semper fronde ambo Tireant Parnmeaide, aemper
Liber ab mvidiv dendbus esto, liber. ^
Crebra pa{>yriTori aperaaa incendia peti,
Tbaa,. ▼enum expositi tegmina auta libri :
Net metuaa raocos, Momorum aibila, rhoncoaf
Tam bard 08 nebulo ai tamen ullua eric.
Nam totiea featia, actum, placuiaae tbeatria
Quod liquet, boc, c'u8um» crede, placebit» opna.
Tho. Goff*.
to h» db8xr7iko fbtend, mr. philip ma8flinoib,
UPOIf ma TRAOBOT " TBI ROMAN ACTOR."
Paris, tbebeatofactora in bia age,
AcU jet, and speaks upon our Roman stage
Such lines by thee aa ao not derogate
From Rome's proud heights, and her then learned
atate.
Nor great Domidan's favour ; nor the embraces
Of a fair empreaa, nor those often graces
Which from th' applauding theatrea were paid
To Ilia brare action, nor his ashes laid
In the Flaminian way, where people strow'd
His grare with flowers, and MartiaFa wit bestow*d
A lasting epitaph ; not all these same
Do add ao much renown to Paris' name
As this that thou present'st his history
So well to us : for which, in thanks, would he
(If that his soul, aa thought Pythagoras,
Could into anjr of our actora pass)
Life to these lines by action gladly give.
Whose pen so well has made his story live.
Tho. MAYf.
VrOV MR. MASSDfGER HIS " ROMAN ACTOR."
To write is grown so common in our time.
That every one who can but frame a rbjrme.
However monstrous gives himself that praise
Which only he should claim that may wear bavs
Bui their applause whose judgments apprehend
The weight and truth of what they dare commend.
In this besotted age, friend, 'tis thy glory
I'hat here thou hut outdone the Roman story.
Domitian's pride : his wife's lust unabated
In death ; with Paria merely were related
Without a soul, until thy abler pen
Spoke them, and made them speak, nay, act again
In such a height, that here to know their deeds.
He may become an actor that but reada.
John Ford|.
UPON MR. MASSINGER's " ROMAN ACTOR."
LoNG*8T thou to see proud Ciesar aet in state,
I J is morning greatneaa, or his evening fate.
With admiration here behold him fall.
And yet outlive his tragic funeral :
For 'tis a queation whether Caesar'a glory
Rose to ita height before or in this story ;
* Tno. Gorr.] Goff was a manor consklenible learning
and highly ctlebrated for his oratorical powers, whicii he
tofticd to the t>est of purposes, in the service of the cbarch.
He also wrote several plays; but ihesc do no honour to his
memory, being fall of the most ridiculous bombast.
X Tho. Mat.] May translated Lucan into Knglish verse*
aad was a candidate for the office of Poet l<a ureal with Sir
William DavenanL He wrote several plays; his Latin
" Sapplement to Locan" b mnch admired by the learned.
Davus.
1 iosN Ford.] Ford was a very good poet. We have
eleven pi»ya of his writing, none of which are without
merit. The writera of his time opposed him wiili some sue-
Or whether Paris, in Domitian'a favour.
Were more exalted that in thia thy labour.
Each line speaks him an emperor, every phrase
Crowns thy deserving temples with the bays ;
So that reciprocally both agree,
Thou liv'st in him, and he surrives in thee.
Robert Harvey.
TO HIS LONG-KNOWN AND LOVED FRIEND, MR. PUIUP
MA88INOBR, UPON HIS " ROMAN ACTOR.*'
If that my lines, being placed before thy book.
Could make it aell, or alter but a look
Of some sour censurer, who*s apt to sav,
No one in these times can produce a play
Worthy hia reading, since of late, 'tis true.
The old accepted are more than the new :
Or, could I on some spot o'the court work so,
To make him speak no more than he doth know ;
Not borrowing from his flatt'ring flatter'd friend
What to dispraise, or wherefore to commend :
Then, gentle friend, I should not blush to be
Rank'd 'moogst those worthy ones which here I see
Ushering this work ; but why I write to thee
Is, to profess our love's antiquity.
Which to ibis tragedy muat give my test.
Thou hast made many good, but this thy best.
Joseph Taylor.
TO MR. PHILIP MASSINOER, MY MVCH-BSTBEM O FRIEND,
ON HIS " GREAT DUES OF FLORENCE."
Enjoy thy laurel ! 'tis a noble choice.
Not by the suffrages of voice
Procured, but by a conquest so achieved ,
Aa that thou beat at full relieved
Almost neglected poetry, whose bays,
Sullied by childish thirst of praise,
Wither'd into a dullness of despair.
Had not thy later labour (heir
Unto a former industry) mitde known
This work, which thou mayst call thine own.
So rich in worth, that th' ignorant may grudge
To find true virtue is become their judge.
George Donne.
TO THE DESERVING MEMORY OF THIS WORTHY WORE
("TUB GREAT DUKE OF FLORENCE") AND THE AU«
TBOR, MR. PUIUP MASSINGER.
Action gives many poems right to live .
This piece gave life to action ; and will give
For state and language, in each change of age,
To time delight, and honour to the atage.
Should late prescription fail which fames that seat
This pen might style the Dulce of Florence Great.
Let many write, let much be printed, read
And censur'd ; toys no sooner hatch 'd than dead.
Here, without blush to truth of commendation.
Is proved, how art hath outgone imitation.
John Ford.
to my worthy friend, the aitthor, upon his tragi
comedy " the maid of honour."
Was not thy Emperor enough before
For thee to give, that thou dost g^ve us more?
I would be just, but csunot : that I know
I did not slander, this I fear I do.
i' XL
COMMENDATORy VERSES ON MASSINGER.
Bui pantoQ me, if I oS«nd ; Uijr fira
Let equal po«i8 praia«r while ] udmire-
If lUiy ftay that 1 enough hure wnt»
They are thy foes, and enTy at tliv wit.
B4;tievo not tUem. nor me *, they know thy liaea
Deserve applou^e, but speak against their miads^
J, out of ju&uce, would commeDd tby pby,
Bui (friend forefivf*iJn«) *tb above my way.
Que word, and 1 huve doo«i (nud from my heart
Would I could jipeiik the whole truib, not the part
6«caujie *tis tbine)» tt hencefortb wUL be said.
Not tLe iMuid of Honour^ but the Ilonour'd Maid.
Aston Cockatiri*.
TO mS WORTVY FRIENDt MR, PHILIP UASStKOEIl, UPON
n<a TEAGI-OOM£1}Y, Sl YLEO ** mE PICTtJaB''
MvniiTfva I bear aome busy critic say,
Who*a this tbat stngly ushers in this tday ?
'Tia boldness^ I confess, and yet perchance
It may be construed love, not arrogance.
I do not here upon this leaf intrude.
By praising one to wrong a muUituda.
Nor do I think that all are tied to be
(Forced by my rote) iu the same creed with me.
Each man hiitli liberty to judge ; free will,
At his own pleasure to spenk good or ill.
But yet your Muse alrcady^s known so well
Her worth will hardly liud an infidel.
Here she hath Urawu a picture which shall lie
Safe for all fuiure times to practice by i
Whatever shall follow are but copies, aome
Preceding works were types of thia to come*
Til your own lively iiuagi*. and seta forth.
When we are dust, the beauty of your worth.
He til at tihtill duly read, and not advance
Aught that is here, betrays bis ignorance :
Yet whosoe'er beyond desert commends,
Erra more by much than he that repreheiuU;
For praise misplaced, and honour aet npoo
A wortblesa subject, is detraction,
I cannot sin so here, unless I went
About to style you only excellent.
Apollo*! B:ift« are not confined alone
To your OLspose, be hath more heira than ooa^
Adu such as do derive from his blest baud
A large inlieritance in the poeta' laud,
A a well aa you ; nor are you, I assure
Myaelfi ao env^ioua, but you can endure
Tohmrlbetr praise , whose worth long since was
known,
And justly too preforr'd before your own,
I know you'd take it for an injury,
(And 'tis a weli-becomitig modesty),
To be parallerd with fJeaumont, or to bear
Your name by some too partial friend writ near
(Jnequaird Junson; being men whose fire
At dtatance, and with reverence, yon admits;.
Do so, and you shall Hnd your gain will be
Much more, by yielding ibera priority,
Than with a certainty of loss, to hold
A fiKjlisb competition r *tis too bold
A task, and to be ahunnM : nor shall my praise.
With too much weight, ruin what it would nitsei
1 U0MA9 jAXm
* AsToa Cocftaiira.] See the latrodaclloa pamim.
To MY WORniY FRIEMD, Mr. rtltttr MASSI^Ctta
cpoN ma raAoi-coiaa&Y callcc the " LMPsaoa of
Till EAST,"
SirrrER, my friend, these lines to bare the grace,
That they may be a mole on Venus' face.
There is no fiatilt about thy book but this.
And it wilt ahow bow fuir thy Emperor is,
Thou more tJian poet ! our Mercury « that art
Apollo's messenger, and dost impart
His best expressions to our ears, live long
To purify th*f slighted English tongue,
Thit both the nymphs of Tagua and of Po
May not henceforth despise our language so*
Nor could they do it, if they e*er had seen
The matchless features of the Fairy Queen ;
Read Jonson, Shakspoare, Beaumont, Fletcher, or
Thy neatdimned pieces, skilful Massinger.
Thou knowu, all the Caaultans must confess
Ve^o de Carpio thy foil, and bless
His tanguoge can translate thee, and the fine
Italian wits yipltl to this work of thine.
Were old Pythagoras alive agaiti,
In thee he might find reason to maintain
His paradox. iLat souls by transmigralton
I n divers bodies make their habication ;
And more, than all poetic souls yet Icnownv
Are met in thee, contracted into one.
Thi.4 is a truth, not an applause : I am
One that at furthest distance views tby fiame.
Yet may prououuce, tliat, were Apollo dead,
In thee hia poesy might all be r«iaa.
Forbear thy modesty : thy Emperor's vein
Shall live admired, when poets shall complain
It is a potlern of loo high a reach,
And what great Pbffibua might the Mupea teach.
Let it live, therefore, and ] dure be bold
To say, it with the world shall not grow old.
A»TON Cocaai^b
a Fsis?rn to the Aumon, asu wiLt-wiantt «
TUB RBAOCR, 0?f TUR KXFEAOR OW '* TUg KAST/'
Who with a liberal hand freely bestows
His bounty on all comers, and yet knows
No ebb, nor formal limits, but proceeds
Continuing his hospitable deeds,
With daily welcome shall advance his name
Beyond the art of fiattery ; with such fame
May yours, dear friend^ compare. Your muse hath
been
Most bountifult and I have often seen
The witling seats receive such a« have fed,
And risen thankful ; yet were some misled
By NSCKTY, when this fair banquet came
(So I allude) their ■tomaoha were to blame,
|3ec;kus(} that excellent, sharp, and poignant satio«
Was wanting, they arose without due grace,
Lo ! ihna a aecond time he dotb invite you :
Be your own carvers, and it may deUglit you.
iouy CLAvatt..
■TO MY raUB FRlEWl} AND RftfTSMAftf, PlflLlP «IABai««'
OEa, 0>l MIS *' EMPEROH OF IHl I Art."
T TAts: not upon trust, nor nm I led
By an implicit fnith : what I have read
U'ith an impartial censure 1 dare crown
With a deserved applmuse, however cried down
By such whose malice will not let them be
Equal to any piece limnM forth by thee.
ttiSlifa
i
COMMENDATORY VERSES ON MASSINGER.
Contemn their poor detraction, and still write
Poems like this, that can endure the light.
And search of ahler judgments. This will
Th^ name ; the othera' scandal is thy praise.
This, oft perused by grave wits, shaU liTe long.
Not die as soon as past the actor's tongue,
The late of alighter toys ; and I must say,
Tis not enough to make a pasaine plav
In a true poet : works that should enaura
Must hare a genius in them strong as pure.
And such is thine, friend : nor shall time deroitr
The weU'form'd features of thy Emperor.
WlLUAM SmOLSION.
TO TBB mOIKIOUB AVTflOR MASTBB PHILIP MA8-
smou, 09 nis ooiikdt called " ▲ hxw wat to
PAT OLD Dnrs."
Tis a rare charity, and thou coaldst not
So proper to the time hare found a plot :
Yec whilst you teach to pay, you lend; the age
We wretehee lire in, that to come the stage,
The thronged audience that was thither brought,
Inrited by your fame, and to be taueht
Thia lesaon ; all are grown indebted more.
And when they look for freedom, ran in score.
It was a cruel courtesy to call
In hope of liber^, and then, inthrall.
The nobles are your bondmen, gentry, and
AU besides those that did not understand.
They were no men of credit, bankrupts boro«
Fit to be trusted with no stock but scorn*
Yon hare more wisely credited to such,
That though they cannot pay, can value much,
I am your debtor too, but, to my shame.
Repay you nothing back but your own fame.
Henry Moody*. 'Miles. '
i
to his FBIXND the author, on '* A NEW WAY TO
PAY OLD DBBTS.
You may remember how you chid me, when
I rank'd you equal with those glorious men,
Beaumont and Fletcher : if you love not praise.
You must forbear the publisbing of plays.
The crafty masea of the cunning plot.
The poliBh'd phrase, the sweet expressions, got
Neitner by theft nor yiolence ; the conceit
Fresh and unsullied ; all is of weight,
Able to make the captiye reader know
I did but justice when I placed you so.
A shamefaced blushing would become the brow
Of some weak virgin writer ; we allow
To you a kind of pride, and there where most
Should blush at commendations, you should boast.
If any think I flatter, let him look
Off mun my idle trifles on thy book.
TUOMAS Jat.
• Hbnbt Moodt.1 Sir Henry Moody pUys on the title
of the piece. He has not moch of the poet In him, iMit ap
peart to be a fHcndly, eood-natored man. A short poem ol
his is prefixed to tlie folio edition of Beanmont and Fletcher.
He was one of the gentlemen who had nonorary degrees
conferred on them by Charles I., on his rctorn to Oxford
from the battle of EdgehiU.
1
GLOSSARIAL INDEX.
Abram mibt, S56
Bellona, 262
cantelns, 101
abaord, «94
bells ring backward, 62
cavallery, 234
abmse, t40
bend the body, 72. 482
censure, 116, 221
acts of parliament, 497
beneath the salt, 378
ceruse, 396
actaate, 189
beso las msnos, 213
chamber, 147
aerie, ?t, «50
betake, 399
chapel fall, 118
affecU, 97
bind with, 412
chapioes, 123
alba regalia. 271
bird-bolts, 420
Charles the robber, 418
altar, 158
birthright, 99
charms on rubies, 207
a many, 11
Biscsn, 459
cheese-trenchers, 502
amorous, 207
bisognion, 241
chiaus, 135
Amsterdam, 121
blacks, 319
chine evil, 274
Anaxarete, 185
blasphemous, 210
choice and richest, 126
angel (bird), 11
bloods, 333
chreokopia, 496
ape, 105
blue gown, 405
chuffs, 73
apostate, 25, 29, 57, 38
braches, 54,349, 390
church -book, 496
apple, 305
brave, 142, 461
circular, 296
Argien, 37
braveries, 92, 155
civil, 144,381
arrearages, 264
brarery, 54,261,501
clap-dish, 154
clemm'd, 182
as (as iQ 359
Breda, 351
astrology, 386
Brennus, 339;
close breeches. 331
atbeism, 240
broadside (to shew), 147
clubs, 125, 380
atOLsment, 82
brother in arms, 233
coats, 507
ATentine, 173
buck, 24
Colbrand, 331
bog. 365
colon, 35. 260
B.
bullion,32l
come aloft, 105 ;
buoy'd. 354
burul denied, 316
comfort, 471
bake-house, 166
comiog in, 74
bandog, 13
burse, 389
commence, 80. 293
banqaet, 44,[S84
bury money, 515
commodities. 102
banqueting-liouse, 93
but, 123, 306
come off, 54
Baptista Porta, 254
Butler (Dr.), 504.
commoner, 20
bar, 157
comparison, 263
barathmm, 363
C.
comrogues, 395
barley.brtak,28
calver'd salmon, 237, 429
conceited, 101
bases, 260
camel. 322
conclusions, 80
bsttket, 337, 353, 379
cancelier, 413
conduit, 166
battalia, 260
canters, 3i9
conquering Romans, 105
battle of Sabia, 472
Caransa, 42, 422
consort, 259, 331
beadsmen, 383, 391
carcanet, 400, 439
constable, to steal a, 226
bearing dishes, 374
caroch, 123, 248
constant in, 4
Beaomelle, 323
carouse, 62
constantly, 220
beceo, 282
carpet knights, 235
cooks* shops, 358
bees, 399
caster, 397
Corinth, 93
beetles, 73'
casting, 278
corsive8.192,309
beg estates, 288
cast suit, 275
counsel, 74, 189
begkrbeg, 135
cater, 385
counterfeit gold thread, 354
GLOSSARIAL INDEX.
courtesy, «08
courtship, 79. 77, «03, «17, 439
courtesies, 372
cow-eyes, 51, 393
crack, 34
crincomes, 430
crone, 34
crosses, 130
crowd, 532
crowns o' the sun, 35
cry absurd ! 294
cry aim, 96, 132
Cupid and Death, 24
cuUions, 419
cunning, 417
curiosity, 379
Curious Impertinent, 329
curiousness, 49, 151
cypress, 481
dagrff, 332
dalliance. 22
dangler, 318, 404
dead pays, 54
death, the, 66
deck, 422
decline, 227
deduct, 506
deep ascent, 480
deer often, 301
defeature, 108
defensible, 411
degrees, 184
Delphos, 339
demeans, 253
denying burial, 31 6
depart, 123
dependencies, 226
deserved me, 369 ,
Diana, 82
discourse and reasoUi 39
disclose, 230
dispartations, 13 1
dissolve, 83. 186
distaste, 49, 123
divert, 202
doctor, go out, 80,
doctrine, 226, 297
drad, 8
drawer-on, 417
dresser, cook's drum, 43, 422
drum-wine, 889
Dunkirk, 77
elenchs, 294
elysium, 25
empiric, 303
eiitradas, 433
equal, 35
equal mart, 477
estridge, 254
extend, 373, 404
eyasses, 278
F.
faith, 17
fame, 462
far-fetch'd, 419
fault, 114, 510
fautors. 117
fellow, 966
festival exceedings, 278
fetch in, 188
fewierer, 232, 278
Fielding, 398
fineness, 137
Fiorinda, 199
flies, 11
for, 27
forks, 213
forms, 46
fore-right, 147
forth, 308
frequent, 174, 176
frippery, 379
fur, 380
gabel, 289
gallant of the last edition, 379
galley foist, 321
galliard, 511
garden-house, 93
gauntlets, 47
Gay, 320
gazet, 237
gemonies, 174
gimcrack, 83
Giovanni, 199
glad to, 11
glorious, 37, 51,202
go by. 246
God be wi* you, 389
g^ds to friend, 174
gold and store, 963, 397
golden arrow, 184
go less, 393, 484
golls, 395
go near, 129
good, 394
good fellows, 435
good lord, 284
good man, 317
good mistress, 176
goody wisdom, 321
Gorgon, 471
governor's place, 8
Granson, 317
Great Britain, 27
green apron, 122
Gresset, 470
grim sir, 46
grub up forests, 419
guard, 256
11.
hairy comet, 36
hand, 13d
hawking, 278
heaU, 97
hecatombaion, 507
Hecuba, 187
hell, 378, 478
high forehead, 34
hole, 378
homed moons, 130
hose, 213
humanity, 319
hunt's up, 71
hurricane, 58
Jane of apes, 105
jewel, 432, 457
imp, 147, 195. 201
impotence, 192, 444
impotent, 45
Indians, 402
induction, 335
ingles, 395
interess. 63
Iphis, 185
ka me ka thee, 385
katexochidn, 420
keeper of the door, 164
knock on the dresser, 43
Lochrymae, 226, 281
lackeying, 4
Lady Compton, 387
lady of the lake, 356
lanceprezado, 237
lapwing's cunning, 516
lavender, 273
lavolta, 215, 390
leadeq dart, 7
leaguer, 254, 326
leege, 301
Lent, 143
Tenvoy, 484, 490
leper, 154
lets, 8, 57
lightly, 100
line, 11
little, 69
lively grave. 319
living funeral, 1 10
looking-glasses at the girdle, 578
lost, 146
loth to depart, 514
lottery, 167
lovers perjuries, 208
Lowin, John, 173
Ludgate, 382
Luke, 402
lye abroad, 121
M.
M. for master, 398
magic picture, 255
magnificent, 292
Mahomet, 121
Malefort, 36
Mammon, 181
mandrakes, 3^
mankind, 390
marginal fingers, 3%9
marmoset, 389
Mars, 262
Marseilles, 35, 151
masters of dependencies, 226
Mephostophilus, 280
mermaid, 514
Minerva, 194
miniver cap, 400
GLOSSARIAL INDEX.
mirror of knigbthood, 414
mutress, 48, 163
mistress* colours, 1 16
moppes, 105
Morat, 317
more, t6t
most SB endy 449
music, 353
muiic-msater, 333
N.
Nancy, 317
nerer-faUing, 288
Nell of Greece, 513
niggle, 310
nightingale, 203
night-rail, 393
nimming, 434
no cunning quean, 93
north passage, 388
NoTall. 330
number his years, 178
October, 98
oil of angels, 76
oil of talc, 396
Olympus, 367
Ovid, 484
outcry. 383
owe, 99
owes, 7, 138
packing 313
padder, 366
pale-spirited. 356
Pandanis, 431
paned hose, 313, 501
pantofle, sworn to, 46
paraUel, 81, 330
parle, 471
parted, 13, 317
parts, 343
pMb, 1«
passionately, 508
passions, 496, 534
pastry forti6cations, 351
Patch, 364. 374
Paris, battle of, 63
peat, 333
peevish, 30
peevishness, 371
perfected 49
pers^ver, 4, 350
personate, 317, 354
Pescara, 66
physicisns, 445
piety, 476
pine-tree, 70
pip, 331
place, 413, 493
play mv prize, 370
plnmed victory, 40
plarisy, 51
Plymouth cloak, 349, 397
Ponialier, 338
poor John, 131 , 365
porter's lodge, 76, 350
poiU,4
possessed, 309
power of things, 174
practice, 167, 333
practick, 394
precisian, 349
prest, 393
pretty, 340
prevent, 371, 498
prevented, 136
progress, 410
provant sword, 336
providence, 361
pull down the side, 40, 316
puppet, 70
purer, 68
purge, 365
put on, 79, 314, 363, 403
Q.
quality, 176, 260, 333, 510
quirpo, 331
quited, 505
R.
rag, 336
Ram Alley, 358
remarkable, 41
relic, 133
remember. Ill, 156,439
remora, 130
re-refine, 389
resolved, 73, 381
rest on it, 95
riches of catholic king, 483
ride, 390
rivo. 131
roarer, 136
Roman, 398
roses, 379, 401
rouKO, 63, 103
royal merchant, 139
rubies, 307
S.
Sabla, battle of, 473
sacer, 305
sacratus, 505
sacred badge, 141
sacrifice, 330
sail-stretcb'd, 37
sainted, 377
St. Dennis, 154
St. Martin's. 397
sanzacke, 135
salt, above the, 44
scarabs, 73
scenery, 381
scholar, 354
scirophorion, 507
scotomy, 511
sea-rats, 461
Sedgely curse, 387
seisactheia, 496
servant, 48, 50, 153, 414
shadows, 43
shall be, is, 416
shape, 117, 164, 184, 186, 399
sbe-Dunkirk, 77
sherifiTs basket, 379
sbining shoes, 419
Sir Giles Mompeseon, 364
skills not, 63, 170, 173
sleep on either ear, 416
small legs, 450
softer neck, 50
so, bo, birds, 378
solve, 83
sort, 30
sovereign, 533
sought to, 57
sparred, 33
Spartan boy, 436
sphered, 33
spit, 38
spital, 390
spittle, 374, 337, 390
spring, 48
squire o'dames, 164, 387
squire o* Troy, 431
sule the jest, 53, 487
startup, 379
state, 93, 93, 333
sutute against witches, 373
staunch, 93
stesl a constable, 336
steal courtesy from heaven, 808
Sterne, 331
stiletto, 371
still an end, 449
stones, 378
story, 315
strange, 93
strongly, 303
street fired, 118
strengths, 159, 146, 501
striker, 54
suit, 591
sworn servant, 181
Swiss, 517
synonyms, 387, 556
table, 503
taint, 164
take in, 574
take me with you, 315, 341, 459
take up, 305
Ull ships. 50
tall trenchermen, 44
temin, 561
tattered, 15
Termsgant, 131
theatre, 175
Tbeocrine, 58
thick-skinned, 83
thinff of things, 103
third meal, 75
thought for, 575
Thrace, 363
time, 180
Timoleon, 94
to-to, 455
token, 549, 599
toothful, 38
toothpicks, 313
tosses, 363
touch, 484
train, 53
tramontanes, 306
GL0S3ARIAL INDEX.
trillibubs, 5lt
trimmed, 163
try conclusions, 80
tune, 180
turn Turk, 145, 333
twines, 411
onciyil, 330
unequsl 308
uses, 336, 397
V.
vail. 341, 389
TsrleU, 336
Venice glasses, 135
Virbius, 185
voley, 370
TOtes, 431
W.
waistcoateer, 390
walk after supper, 44
walk the round, 359, 433
ward, 356
wards, 409
wardship, 409
watchmen, 497
way of youth, 175, 456
weakness the last, 463
wear the caster, 397
wear scarlet, 381
well, 323
wheel, 363
where, (whereas) tdf, 314, 519
441,464
while, 194, 499
whiting-mop, 439
whole field wide, 333, 393
why, when! 193
witches, 373
witness, 395
wishes, as well as, 455
wolf. 471
work of grace, 137
wreak, 133
yaws, 453
yellow, 80
yeoman fewterer, 333, 278
4=
A LIST
MASSINGER'S PLAYS.
Those marked that * are in the pretent Edition,
1. Tns Forced Lady, T. This was one of the plays destroyed by Mr. Warbarton's serrant*.
S. The Noble Choice, C. \ Entered on the Sutioners' books, by H. Moseley,
3. The Wanderings Lovers, C. J^Sept. 9, 1653 ; but not printed. These werej^amongr the
4. Fhilenso and Hippolita, T. C. J plays destroyed by Mr. Warburton's servant.
5. Antonio and Valliaf, C. ") Entered on the Stationers' books, by H. Mosely, June 29,
6. 1 he Tyrant, T. \ 1660, but not printed. I'hese too were among^ the plays
7. Fast and Welcome, C. J destroyed by Mr. Warburton's servant.
8. The Woman's Plot, C Acted at court \6tl. Destroyed by Mr. Warburton's servant.
9. •The Old Law, C. AssUted by Rowley and Middleton, Quarto, 1656.
10. ^'he Virgin-Martjrr, T. Assisted by Decker. Acted by the servants of his Majesty's revels. Quarto,
1629 ; Quarto, 1631 ; Quarto, 1661.
11. *The Unnatural Combat, T. Acted at the Globe. Quarto, 1639.
12. *The Duke of Milan, T. Acted at Black- Friars. Quarto, 1623 ; Quarto, 1638.
13. *The Bondman^ T. C. Acted December 3, 1623, at the Cockpit, Drury Lane. Quarto, 1624 ;
Quarto, 1638.
14. •The Renegade, T. C. Acted April 17, 1624, at the Cockpit, Drury Lane. Quarto, 1630.
15. •The Parliament of Love, C. Unfinished. Acted November 3, 1624, at the Cockpit, Drury
Lane.
16. The Spanish Viceroy, C. Acted in 1624. Entered on the Stationers' books, September 9, 1653,
by H. Moseley, but not printed. This was one of the plays destroyed by Mr. Warburton's
senrant.
17. •The Roman Actor, T. Acted October 11, 1626, by the King's company. Quarto, 1629.
18. The Judge. Acted June 6, 1627, by the King's company. This play is lost.
19. • The Great Duke of Florence. Acted July 5, 1627, at the Phoenix, Drury Lane. Quarto, 1636.
fO. The Honour of Women. Acted May 6, 1628. This play is lost.
21. 'The Maid of Honour, T. C^. Acted at the Phoenix, Drury Lane. Date of its first appearance
uncertain. Quarto, 1632.
22. 'The Pictare, T. C. Acted June 3, 1629, at the Globe. Quarto, 1630.
S3. Minerva's Sacrifice, T. Acted November 3, 1629, bv the King's company. Entered on the
Sutiooera' books Sept. 9, 1653, but not printed. This was one of the plays destroyed by Mr.
Warburton's servant.
• In kit fint edition* Mr. Gifford had entered after thlt play ths Secretary, of which the title ap|iean in the caUlogne
whick fiirnialMd tlie material* for Poole't PamaMus. Mr. Gilchrist having discovered among some old rabbish In a
villafe librarv, that the work referred to is a translation of familiar letters by Mont. La Serre, and that the translator's
name was John Maaainger.lt was omitted in the list famished for the second edition.
t In that roost cvrions MS. Register discovered at Dalwich College, and subjoined by Mr. Malone to his " Historical
Accoon« of the English Stige, is the following entry, " R. 30 of J one, 1009, at antonp and valiea 01. axs. Od " If this
be the play entered by Moaely, Massinger's claims can only arise from his having revised and altered it; for he mast have
been a mere child when it was first pnxlaced. See the Introduction, p.
I Mr. Malooc tUnki this to be the play immediately preceding it, with a new title. This is, however, extremely donbtniL
LISr OF MASSINGER'S PLAYS.
f 4. •The Emperor of the East» T. C. Acted March 11, 1831, at Black Friars. Quarto, 1632.
35. Believe as you List, C. Acted May 7, ld31. Entered on the Sutioners' books, September 9, 1653,
and again J one 29, 1660, bat not printed. This also was one of the plays destzojed by Mr.
Warburton's servant.
36. The Italian Nightpiece, or The Unfortonate Piety, T. Acted June 13, 1631, by the King's oompany.
This play is lost.
27. •The Fatal Dowry, T. Assisted by Field. Acted by the King's company. Quarto, 163f .
28. •A New Way to Pay Old Debts, C. Acted at the Phoenix, Drury Lane. Quarto, 1633.
29. •The City Madam, C. Acted May 25, 163S, by the King's company. Quarto, 1659.
30. •I'he Guardian, C. Acted October 31, 1633, by the King's company. Octavo, 1655.
31. llie Tragedy of Oleander. Acted May 7, 1634, bv^the King's company. This play is lost.
32. •A Very Woman, T. C. Acted June 6, 1634, by tne King's company. OcUro, 1655.
33. The Orator. Acted June 10, 1635, by the King's company. This play is lost.
34. •The Bashful Lover, T.C. Acted May 9, 1636, by the King's company. Octavo. 1655.
35. The King and the Subject. Acted June 5, 1638, by the King's company. This play is lost.
36. Alexius, or the Chaste Lover.|| Acted September 25, 1639, by the King's company. This
play is lost.
37. The Prisoner, or the Fair Anchoress of Pausilippo. Acted June 26, 1640, by the King's compaoy
This play is lost.
• The title of thii pUy« Sir H. Herbert tells nii was changed, Mr. Malone conjectares it was aamed '*The Tjrnmti* om
of Warburton's unfortanate collection.'* Probably* however, it was •abreqnentty found: as a MS. tragedy called "Tkc
Tyrant,** was sold NoYemberi 1750* among the books of John Warbniton, Esq.. Somerset Herald."— J?t«y. Drwmm.
t This play mast liave possessed ancommon merit, since it drew the Queen (Henrietta Maria) to Blacktriars. ArcauL_
able event at that time* when onr Sovereigns were not accustomed to visit the public theatres. She honoored It wiA her
presence on the 18th of May* six days after its first appearance. The circvmetance is recorded by the Matter of the Reveib
X iifearkM]. This play i» snppoeed by the editors of the ** Biographia Dramatica," to be the same at " Baakfal Lover.**
I\c
THE
VIRGIN MARTYR.
Turn Vnumf-MARTTR.] Of this Tragedy, wliieh appears to have been very popular, Aere are three
edhions m anarto, 1632, 1651, and 1661 ; the Uwt of which is infinitely the worst It is not possible to
ascertain woen it was first produced ; but as it is not mentioned among the dramatic pieces " read and
allowed " by Sir H. Herbert, whose account commences with 1629, it was probably amongst the author's
earliest efforts. In the composition of it he was assisted by Decker, a poet of sufficient reputation to
pcoToke the hostility or the enry of Jouson, and the writer of sereral plays much esteemed by his con-
temporarieB.
In the first edition of this tragedy it is said to have been ** dirers times publicly acted with great applause
by the senrants of his Majesty's Rerels." The plot of it, as Coxeter obsenres, is founded on the tenth and
last geoeralpersecution of the Christians, which broke out in the nineteenth year of Dioclesian's reign, with
a fury hardly to be expressed ; the Christians being eirery where, without distinction of sex, age, or
condition, dragged to execution, and subjected to the most exquisite torments that rage, cruelty, and hatred
could suggest.
DRAMATIS PERSONiE.
King ef Pontus.
King cf Epire.
King ofMwcedfm,
Sapritius, Governor of Ca^sarea.
Theophilus, a sealout pertecutar of Hib Ckriitians
Sempsonius, captain rf SAParnus' guard*,
Aktokinus, ton to SAPRrm's.
Mackisv^, friend to Antoninus.
Harpax, an evil tpirit, following Theophilus in the
thape of a teeretary.
Angbu), a good spirit, serving Dorothea in the habit of
a page.
HiRcius, a whoremaster, } . /• t>
Spusoius, a drunkard, \ '^''"'^ ^/ Dorohiea.
Priett of Jupiter,
British Slave.
Artemia, daughter to Dioclesian.
C^'i^A,}^'^^^' ^ Theophilu*.
Dorothea, the Virgin-Martyr,
Officers aud Executioners.
SCENE, Cffisarea.
ACT I.
SCENE h^The Govebnor's Palace,
Enter Tbbophilvs and Harpax.
Theaph, Come to Caesarea to-night !
Harp, Most true, sir.
Tkeoph, The emperor in person !
Harp, Do I live?
Theaph, Tis wondrous strange ! The marches of
Like to the motions of prodigious meteors.
Are stegby step observed ; and loud-tongued Fame
The harbinger to prepare their entertainment :
And» were it possible so great an army.
Though ooyer*d with the night, could be so near,
The goremor cannot be so unfriended
Among the many that attoid his person.
But, by some aeciet means, he should hare notice
Of Cspsar's purpose* ;— in this then excuse me,
If I appear mcredulous.
Harp. At your pleasure.
Theoph. Yet, when I call to mind you never fail*d
In things more difficult, but have discovered [me.
Deeds that were done thousand leagues distant from
me,
When neither woods, nor caves, nor secret vaults.
No, nor the Power they serve, cotdd keep these
Christians
Or from my reach or punishment, but thy magic
* Of Camr's p-trpote ;— In this then esam nw,] Before
Mr. M. Masoo'i elition, it itood :
he shwdd have notice
Of Ctetar'9 purpose in thit,
meaning, periiapa, in this hasty and unexpected visit : I
have not, howeYer, allured the pointing.
B 9
THE VIRCIN-MARTVB.
[Act 1*
Btill Iftid tbexn opt'ii ; I b*?^m aj5«»
To bi» »a coDli'l^uf a* btTf tofore,
It ij not po6sib1t» thy powprftil art
Should meet & chfi«;x, or full,
Bnttra Prie«t with the littagf of Jupitrr, Causita
and Ciii{i«mn \.
Ihirp. Look on the Vi-atala,
TW hijlv pknlges thui lht> gcxla hare js^iven yoo.
Your ctiJisff, tair dsiufjhteri. \Ver't not to upbraid
A wrvici' to u miister not unthankful,
I could aay tlieau, in spitu of your prevention,
Seductid by mi imngiui**! fiiitb, not renjion,
(Which IS ibo strength of nsiture,) quite foriuiking
The Gentile gods, hiwl peldetl tjp thpm««lvea
To this new-found religion. This [ crosa'd,
Disco rer'd their intentions, taught you to Ufl«»
With gentle words and mild [x^niuajiions.
The power and the authority of n fnther
Set off with cruel threata ; and so feclftim'd thvtn :
Andt wbercM they with tormenU should hitve died,
(HtU'i furie* to lue, bad they undergone it ! )
ITiw WP© now votariei in great Jupiter's temple^
AnX bv hts priest instructed^ grown familiar
With aJl the mysteriea, nay, the moit abstniAe ones*
Belonging to bis deity.
Thettph. *Twaa a bi^e6t,
For which I ever owe you. Hail, JoTe*i flwiien 1
Hare thvne my daughters reconcdtnl themselTM,
Abandontng for ever the Chriiilian waj.
To vour opinion T
f^rMiftp And are constant in* iL [ment,
Tluiv teacb their teachers with thcnr depth of judg^-
And ■re with arguments able to convert
T^ enemiea to our gods, and answer ail
TImv Gsa object against ua*
Tneaph. My dear daughters ! [sect,
Cah We dare dispute againat thia new-aprung
In private or in publiic.
Harp. Itly best lady,
Pcrs^f^ver t in it*
Chrit. And what we maintain.
We will seal with our bloods.
Uitrp, Brare resolution !
I e en grow fat to see my Inboura prosper.
Thtoph. I young again. To your devotions.
Hat^. Do —
My prayer* be present with you.
{Kitttni Prktt and Daughters of Theofthlht.
Thf0ifh. O my ITuqMis !
Thou ^ngitie ol ui)^ wishes, thou that sieerat
My bluodv r»«otutions ; thou that ann'st [sion ;
My evei Against womanish tears luid soft eompas-
Inatructing me, without a sigh, to took ott
torn by violence from tlieir mothen* breMta
To htd the fire, and with tlit«m make oiii» flamo ;
Old mfliii, la beaata^ in Inmsu' liking torn by dogs ;
Vui^iiui and matrons tire the executiouerv ^
Yet I, unaatiafied, think their tonnenu eejy.
Harp. Ami in thai, just, not cruid.
* Pfiejt And an comtant ia it.\ So tbc firit l«w ctli.
tloo*. Hie List, virhlch b v«^ IncorrerUy pHuUtl, rr^dkla
Up aiul if fotloWfrfl by lb« mudcrn Mlltort.
t r«T!M:t«T in jl.j ^^■ tltiia wiird WM ■aciently wrUlt-Q
and prt*#M>iiiiciLi1 . ihiii \\\t king, in MtMmttt :
— but to I'trratvcf
In ohtti/utt* nyfutntewtmt,
Coa«lcr atlopii ilii imrni'iiU^l rradittf of the tbli^i qa«r1o,
III H, *nd l« ftUtuwiiTiJ b> Mr- IVl, Ma«oa, wl>ohrj«v-
Thtifph, Were all iiceptres
That grace the Imnd^ of kings, made into oi»e«
And uiferM me, all crownj* laid at my (eM,
I would contemn them fdl,— thus «inl at tlietn j
So I to (ill posterities might lie cull d
The jttrcnigest champion of the Fugaa gods.
And rooti^f out of Christiana.
Harp. Oh^ mine own,
7^1 ine own dear lord ! to further this great work,
1 ever lire thy slave,
Enter Safritius and Sexpsonivs.
Thenph. No more — the governor. [doubled ;
Sap, Keep tJie ports close*, and let the guards be
Disarm the Chrij&tians, call it ileatli in any
To wear a sword, or in hia housu lo lave oneu
Stmp. I shall be careful, dr.
Sap, 'Twill well become you.
Such ua refuse to offer aacri'fioe
1 o any of our gods, put to tlie torture,
firub up thia growing mischief hv tiie roota ;
And know, when we are mercifuf to tliem,
W' e lo ourselves are cruel,
Semp. You pour oil
On lire liiat bnms aJreadj at the height ;
I know the em|>eror's edict, and my charge,
And they shall iind no favour.
Thmph, yiy goo<J lord,
Tliis tare is timely for the entcrtaiomenC
Of onr great master, who thia night in jieraoii
Comes here to thank you.
Sap. Who! the emperor T [triumph,
Httrp. To clear your doubts, he doth n*tum in
Kit 1^9 lackey in ^ f by hi:i tritini[ih.uit chariot ;
Aud iu this glorious victory, my lord,
Vou httVH uu umplt) }*hiire ; for knon-, your son,
'Pie neVr-euough commende<l Antonmus,
8(> well hath flejih'd his maiden sv^ortl X, ;uid died
Hiii snowy plumes ao deep in enemies' hlocx].
That, befiideA public grace beyond lu^ hopes,
There are rt'wiurds pnDpouudcd,
Sap, I would know
No mean iji thtne. could this be trueu
Harpt IMy bend
Answer the forfeit.
Sap. Of ijid victory
There was some runigur \ but it was asfoi^d*
• Snp. Kffp the port* cfnttt,] Thl» wurd. wliUh \i »ii
n^rit) IrMiii Hic Unliu, La »o rnMtuiully hmkI hy \i
m\*\ \.l\v wdtt'i* ipf h\n limf. {ov the ^atn: qf ti Um .
n[t^K*i* Biipi-rfltiuui la product^ uiy L&jiniiklr« Mf ti. j
uutU'L-d itouiY U iiuflictcnL
» Kit^M Uckv^ Ing hi/ him ffiftf^jthtml cfiatiof ,] Rnnninf
by vhe >idv of It titer luekita, ur iwiboyt. So In Mariia«i'a
Antmio umi Mrltida :
** Oil t|i«l our power
C'oidd tat'kfy or hrcp p^cr frith our degbvf*'
t So Wt'tt httth Jlr9ii'd, &c.] MftftslLiigir w«> .i i^rirat rratfrr
jihI AihuiitM ul Shoilttfirart' : he h«<i bvre but ualy ad«|^i|«d
bi» K'Uliinttit, tMit l!ii^ wonlii .
*' < •' John, full bravdy haft llKHi/isA*tf
^rttni"
But SImVpn ^• 17 unc't liend, ur, ■( least, In tftwry
%H%v'% hau't , .111.1 I ^JiL>iilil ihtrivfuie Ik coAfUDlly niilicl-
|>'it«d. In inch ffirmrkt /!» tlif^ie.
I ntll takr thij up|,Klitillill>' to U]
trriti il.cr tlie p»je with \
M.i' imiififiary ton 1 re,
whi. IV be pj&id lo grcnl 1
Willi H'^ri t t > lllOKT of 4 SetOlMl Of tl^ij'l
^'liiil wotM.' Ui«ti lancrftiHMM tu \i^Mni theiii
iricmblv m>rkA of «n drtcrlpiionfl, Cot ilic !•■ ,
vciinK v( lance eviry cuuunoii (r|»ithrt, ur uivtdl cx|iri
u«* ijkcii.
. that !t j* lior
my ia-
Scene I.]
THE VIRGIN MARTYR.
I
The armj passed a full day's joumej bigber,
Into the country.
Harp. It was so detennined ;
! But, for tbe further honour of your son,
I And to observe the goyemment of the city,
' And with what rigour, or remiss indulsrence,
The Christians are pursued, he makes bis stay here :
I [^TrumpeU,
For proof, bis trumpets speak bis near arrival.
I Sap. Haste, good Sempronius, draw up our guards,
And with all ceremonious pomp receive
Tbe conquering army. Let our garrison speak
j Their w^come in loud shouts, tbe city shew
Her state and wealth.
Semp. I'm gone. [^Exit.
I Sap. O, I am ravisb'd
I With this great honour ! cherish, good Tbeophilus,
. Hiis knowing scholar ; send [for J your fiur daugh>
I I will present them to the emperor, [ters*;
And in their sweet conversion, as a mirror,
I Express your xeal and duty.
I Theaph, Fetcb them, good Harpax.
I [Exit Harpax,
A guard brought in by Semproniui, ioldiert leading
in three kingi bound ; Antoninus and Macrinvs
■ carrying the Emperor's eaglet ; Dioclesian tcith
I a gilt laurel on hit head, leading in Art£3iia :
I Saprhius kittet the Emperor's hand, then em-
I bracet hit Son ; Harpax bringt in Causta and
Christsta. Loud thoutt,
Diocle. So : at all parts I find Cxsarea
I Completely govem'd ; the licentious soldier f
Confined m modest limits, and the people
i Taught to obey, and, not compell'd with rigour :
I Tbe ancient Iloman discipline revived, [her
! Which raised Rome to her greatness, and proclami'd
. The glorious mistress of tbe conquer'd world ;
t But, above all, the service of the gods
I So xealously observed, that, good Sapridus,
In words to thank you for your care and duty.
Were much unworthy Dioclesian's honour,
I Or bis magnificence to his loyal servants. —
But I shall find a time with noble titles
I To recompense your merits.
Sap, Mightiest Caesar,
X Whose power upon this globe of earth is equal
: To Jove's in heaven ; whose victorious triumphs
I On proud rebellious kings that stir against it,
Are perfect figures of his immortal trophies
W'on in tbe Giants' war ; whose conquering sword,
i Guided by his strong arm, as deadly kills
i As did h^ thunder ! all that 1 have done,
I Or, if my strength were centupled, could do,
Comes short of what my loyalty must challenge.
• eend [for] ifour fair daughtert ;] All the copies
read,— •Old pom- fair dauyhiert ;for, which I have inseiied
9eeoi» nccesMry ^*> complete the sense as well as the metre ;
M Harpax is immediately dispatched to bring them.
t the licentious soldier] Mr. M. Mason reads tol-
diert^ tbe old and true lection is soldier. The stage direction
in this place is very strangely given by the former editors.
I may here obaerve, that I do not mean to notice every
slight correctioo : already several errors have been silently
rcf«Hrined by tbe assistance of the first qaarto : witlioot
reckooiag the removal of snch barbaroas conUractioui as
cQBq'ring, ad'mant, ranc'rovs, ign'rance, rhet'ilck, &e. with
wbicb the modem editions are everywhere deformed with-
oat aatbority or reason.
t tVhoee power, Ac] A U^nslatioo of tbe well-known
line:
DMeum imperium cum Jove Ctetar habet.
But, if in any thinff I have deserved
Great Ciesar s smile, 'tis in mv humble care
Still to preserve tbe honour of those gods.
That make him what be is : my seal to them,
I ever have express'd in my feu bate
Against the Christian sect that, with one blow,
(Ascribing all tbingp» to an unknown jMwer,)
Wotdd strike down all their temples, and allows
Nor sacrifice nor altars. [them*
Diocle. Thou, in this,
Walk'st hand in hand with me : my will and power
Shall not alone confirm, but honour all
That are in this most forward.
Sap, Sacred Caesar,
If your imjierial majesty stand pleased
To shower your favotirs upon such as are
The boldest champions of our religion ;
Look on this reverend man, to whom the power
Of searching out, and punishing such dehnquents.
Was by your choice committed ; and, for proof,
He bath deserved tbe grace imposed upon him.
And with a fair and even band proceeued.
Partial to none, not to himself; or those
Of equal nearness to himself; behold
fThis pair of virg^s.
Diocle, What are these ?
Sap, His daughters. [ones,
Artem, Now by your sacred fortune, they are lair
Exceeding fair ones : would 'twere in my power
To make them mine !
Theaph, They are the ^ods', great lady,
They were most happy m your service else :
On these, when they fell from tlieir father's futtb,
I used a judge's power, entreaties failing
(Tbev being seduced) to win tliem to adore
The holy powers we worAbip ; I put on
The scarlet robe of bold authority.
And as they had been strangers to my blood,
Presented them, in the most horrid torm,
All kind of tortures : part of which they suffered
With Roman constancy.
Artem. And could you endure.
Being a father, to behold their limbs
Extended on the rack ?
Theoph, I did ; but must
Confess there was a strange contention in me.
Between the impartial office of a judge.
And pity of a father ; to help justice
Religion stept in, under which odds
Compassion fell : — yet still 1 was a father ;
For e'en then, when the flinty hangman's whips
Were worn with stripes spent on their tender limbs,
I kneel'd and wept, and begged them, though they
Be cruel to themselves they would take pity [would
On my grey hairs : now note a sudden change,
Whicn I with joy remember ; tliose whom torture,
Nor fear of death could terrify, were overcome
By seeing of my sufferings ; and so won,
Returning to the faitli that they were born in,
I gave them to tlie gods : and be assured,
I that used justice with a rigorous baud,
Upon such beauteous virgins, and mine own,
Will use no favour, where the cause commands nie.
• and allows them
Nor sacrifice, nor allars.] The intKlein editors have,
and allow iheui
No sacrifice nor altars :
which is the cornipt reading of the quarto, 1061.
i This pair qf virt/ins.] Clian(((>d, 1 know not uliy, by
the mwleni etlitors, into — These pair of virgins.
THE VIRGIN MARTVR,
[An I.
To iny other ; but, aa rooka, he dent
To all flntreiitiei&
Diocte, Tbou de*orF'at tliy [ilacu ;
Still holdit, and with houour. Thijiga ilius order*d
Toucbing the gods; *di.H lawful to de^cenrl
To liumQn can»fl, and exerciw tlmt i>owpr
Heaven has conferred tipoii me ; — wbicb that yo»t»
Rebels and traitors lo tliti ptJWiT of Roims
Should not with all extreaiili(5S utiderfjo.
What can you urge to qualify your crimes,
Or mitigBt« tuy angpr ?
•A', rf Epirt, Wi* are now
Slaves to thy jiower, ihit yacterday icerc Hngs,
And had commaod o'er others ; we confess
Our gnmdsiri?* paid voura tribute, yet left us,
Ab tlioir forefathers fiad, desire of freedom,
Aijd» if you Romans bold it glorious honour
Not ouly to dt'fii*nd wbnt ia your own.
But to enlurpe your empire, (though our fortune
Daniisa that happiness,) who can accuse
Tlie fiimish'd mouth if it attempt to feed T
Or «urb, whose fatten eat into their freedomai
If they di»sir© to aliake them off?
K, of Pgntut, We stand
The last exaniplea^ to prove how uncertain
All human liappineas is ; and are preparttd
To endure the worst.
A". <f Macedm. That spokft, which now is highest
In fortune's wheel, must wht*n she tuTn» k nv%u
Decline as low as we are, Tim con.sider'd,
Taught the .-Ecfyptiiin Hercules, SJesoslns,
Thot bud his chariot drawn by cuptivtj ktnga.
To free them from that slavery ; — but to hope
Such mercy from a Roman, where mere madnefts :
We are familiar with what cruelty
Rome, since her infant greatness, ever uaod
Such as she triumphed over ; age nor sex
Exempted from her tyranny : acepter'd princes
Kept in her common dungeons, and their children,
In acorn trained up in base mechanic arts,
for public bondmen. In the catalogue
Of those unfortunate men, wo expect to have
Our names reraember'd.
Dkx-te, In all growing empires,
Even cruelty is useful ; some Tiiust suffer,
And be set up exompli^s to frtrikn terror
In others, though far oft" : but when a state
Is raised to lun fwrfection ^ and her bases
Too firm to dhritik, or yield, we may use mercy «
Ami do't widi safely :t but to whom ? not cowards,
Or such whose baaeaesa alianiea tlie con(]ueror,
• K. of E|>in\ Jf> atir mm
Steve* to iky powvT^ tct*] 1 have obfcrvtd wveral Imi-
liduiif ur MttMUiffcr in (hi* tlratiiAx ot Mawm: Ibcre ti, fur
ImUncc, « ftrikin^ »i»att;irily bi'lttixf ii thin (ipirittW apt^eclt^
And tti« it»(tt^»«itt vxcbntaiiiiti of tbe brmv« but iiurii^rlii-
nate Caract^cua :
— " SoUlitT, I h^d amift,
Had iiiMuhfue *i«cili» ii» whir) my Iron car»,
Hm\ M-f>»lilu itointnU>na: \\m\. iluoii wondrr, Ruamn,
] rmii^hl til save thv\\\ 1 What il C«e4iir aim*
Ti> h'nl ic iinlvi rMl o'er the rn'orlU,
Sliull ihr wurhl inuwly crtioch to r i ' h>| f*
i And Hat u^ith Miifrtf/ ,] ThUhatUy ^'4;
the maxim liowrvi-r, tbiMii^tt jtirt, U uf tl vupks
aatiirt;, fur wbat muytUUm*' rhief will i-vi i u to
Iw *' ralwpO (h Ikt ptrfccllMn/' vr iUji< i "Miic
*• mercy wiili imfvlj" U nrrivc*t f ev«o |ii i' lii»
■xcrutrunt,— atrotie one* UhiI (mf Uume w;k- old njinKli it»
bU tim«. Thc/r u &u iliiuloii to Viri^ll, iti ihe opening uf
thii ipi'«ch :
/Ti^ rlmra^ ft mnitaa rnmi m* tatkt ^nnmt
And robs him of his victoiy, as weak PerMfus
Did great /Kmilius * Know» therefore, kings
Of Kpire* Fonfus, and of M»cedo&«
That I with courte«iy can use m? priaoDers,
As well as mnke tht'm mine by fcwtse, profided
Tlwt they are noble enemit*s: such I found ynn,
lic^fon^ I made you miim ; and, since you weri" ao,
You hiive not lost the courages of prtnrfts
Although the fortune. Had yuu bum ytjrursi«lvf«
Dejectedly, and base, no slavery
Had been too easy for you : but such i*
The power of noble valour, that we love it
Even in otir enemies, and tiiken with it,
Desire to make them friends, as 1 will you.
K. tf Epire, ISf ock us not, Caesar.
DiocU. By the gods. 1 do not^
IJnloa«»e their bonds ; —I now as frienda emlMVOft joa *
Give them their crowns again.
A\ of Ponttis. We are twice o'eroome;
By courage and by courtejiy,
A', (if Macedim, Rut tliis latter,
•Shall teach us to live ever failJiful vassalA
To Dioclesian, and tlie power of Rome.
K. tvf' Epirt, All kingdoms £all before her 1
A. ^ F&ut^a. And all kings
Contend to honour Caesar !
Dioch. I believe
Your tongue!} are the true trumpets of your hB«ita»
Ami in it 1 most happy. Queen of fote,
Imperious fortune ! mix some light diaoster
With my so many joys, to sea-wn them.
And give tiiem 8weet**r r*»UHh : I'm girt round
Wilh true felicity^ ; faithful subjects here.
Her** bold commanders, here with new-made frieadii
But, what*a ihw crown of idl, in thee, Artemia,
My only child, whose love to me and duty,
Strive to exceed each other !
Artem^ I mnke puymt*nt
But of a debt, whuh I stnud bound to tender
As a daughter and a subject,
Dii^U, Which recjuires yet
A retribution from mi\ Artemia,
Tied by a father's care, bow to bestow
A jewel* of all things to me most precious:
Nor will I therefore longer keep thoe from
Tht} chief joys of crc^iuon, marriage riten ; [of,
VVhtf^h that tbou moy'st wilh greater pleusure^ I9«ti*>
Thou shall not like with mine eyes, but tiiine own.
Among these kings, forgetting they were captives
Or those, remembering not they are my subjects,
Make choice of any ; by Jove'a dreadful thunder,
My will shall rank with thine.
Artem, It ia a bounty
The ditughters of great princes seldom meet with ;
For tliey, to make up brt^icbes in the state.
Or for 8om« otlier public ends, are fmrced
To match where tli«y aftecL nout May my life
Deserve thiii favour 1
Diotie, Speak ; 1 long to know
The man thou wilt make happy.
- €U weak Frrmna
Did ffrrat .t^miliHa.] Il U mid ibdt Prtnotui wnt tPil««lrv
F«Mhi* .^niiliui uot to exhlbli him u it npcctarle lo thr
RoitiMhf, mul to »\^arc hAm ths^ iuMttiUy "i t>i>|n( Ini in
liiinri])h. /HiniliuK rrpllcU cuklly ; 7'4r/t»»<»*fr f» ttrntg qf
mf w (n hU own jHfWff ; he can ffrocurt il ftfr kimmif,
^ 7V» match where tkep afitd nM.\ Tlii» d«M Iketltr Ibr
niixlcrn than Kutitrtti pnicllce ; «nd iwlvvd (He ««lli«r was
tlihikioic inure of Uimkt ilian Dloclc»UAp lu Uili part «iC
(III' dinlogne.
I.]
THE VIRGIN-MARTYR.
1. If that titles,
adored name of Queen could take me,
oold I fix mine eyes, and look no further :
•ee are baits to take a mean-bom lady,
r, that boldly may call Cesar fiuher;
I can bring lumour unto any,
m no king that lires reeeire addition :
B desert and rirtne by my fortune,
i in a low estate, were greater glory
> mix greatness with a prince that owes*
tfa but that name only.
!0» I commend thee,
Bvmelt
•• If tiien, of men beneath me,
liot li to be made, where shall I seek,
ong those that best deserve from you ?
re Mrrsd yon most fidthfully ; that in dangers
»od next to y6u ; that hare interposed
reasto •• shields of proof, to duU the swordsf
It your bosom ; that hare spent their blood
vn your brows with laurel ?
. CytbtfM,
{ueen at Lore, be now propitious to me !
\ (to Ss|k} Now mark what I foretold.
u Hef eyie s on me*
nus' SOU) ^JiKW forth a leaden dart, X
lat she m^ hate me, transfix her with it ;
lou needs wilt use a golden one,
:in the behalf of any other :
noVst I am ^y Yo^iy elsewhere. [Atide.
9.((oiln(oft.) Sir.
>h. How he Mushes!
Welcome, ibol, thy fortune.
ke a block when such an angel courts thee !
u I am no object to dirert your eye
le beholding.
I. Rather a bright sun,
rrious for him to gaie upon,
ok not first flight from the eagle's aeiie.
3k on the templei, or the gods,
th that reverence, lady, I behold you,
all do ever.
3. And it win become jrou,
Jius we stand at distance ; but, if love,
}m out of the assurance of your virtues,
ne to stoop so lo w ' ' ■
1. O, ratner take
)r flight.
«. Why, fear you to be nised ?
ut off the dreadful awe that waits
esty, or with you share my beams,
ake you to outshine me ; change the name
ject mto Lord, rob you of service
iue from you to me, and in me make it
) honour you, would you ref\uie me ?
t. Refuse you, madam ^ socha worm as I am >
an to mix greahteu with a prlito§ thai owes]
;r the fonncr editon meet with thia word, in the
pomesB, they alter it into owns, thoogh It is lo used
t every page of oor old dramatists.
to dull the tworda] So the old copies. Mr.
«, reads, to dull their tworda f
• VoMuT mm draw forth a leaden dart,] The idea
Table effect, to which Massincer has more than one
U Arom Ovid :
IS hnic Veneris ; Figat tnns omnia, Phoebe,
oens areas, ait ;— Pamassi constitit arce,
e sagittifera promsit dao tela pharetra
rrsorum opemm : ftigat hoc, facit illnd amorem.
d facit, aaratmn est, ct cnspide fnlget acata ;
d fngat, obtofom est, et habet sob amndine plambura.
Met. lib 1.470.
Refuse what kings upon their knees would sue for !
Call it, neat lady, by another name ;
An humble modesty, that would not match
A molehill with Olympus.
Artem, He that's famous
For honourable actions in the war.
As you axe, Antoninus, a proved soldier,
Is fellow to a king.
Anton, If you love valour,
As 'tis a kingly virtue, seek it out,
And cherish it in a king : there it shines brightest,
And fields the bravest lustre. Look on Epire,
A prmce, in whom it is incorporate ;
And let it not disgrace him that he was
O'ercome by Cssar ; it was victonr,
To stand so long against him : hadfyou seen him,
How in one bloody scene he did discharge
The parts of a commander and a soldier.
Wise in direction, bold in execution ;
You would have said, Great Caesar's self excepted,
The world yields not his equaL
Artem, Yet I have heard.
Encountering him alone in the head of liis troop,
You took him prisoner.
K, of Epirt, Tis a truth, great princess ;
111 not detract from valour.
AnUm, 'Twas mere fortune ;
Courage had no hand in it
Theaph. Did ever man
Strive so against his own good ?
Sap. Spiritless villain !
How I am tortured ! By the immortal gods,
I now could kill him.
Dioele, Hold, Sapritius, hold,
On our displeasure hold !
Harp, Why, this would make
A father mad, 'tis not to be endured ;
Your honour's tainted in't
•Sap. By heaven, it is ;
Ishallthmkofit.
Harp, 'Tis not to be forgotten.
Artem, Nay, kneel not, sir, I am no ravisher.
Nor so far gone in fond affection to you,
But that I can retire, my honour safe : —
Yet say, hereafter, that thou hast neglected
What, but seen in possession of another,
Will make thee mad with envy.
Anion, In her looks
Revenge is written.
Mac, As you love your life.
Study to appease her.
Anton, Gracious madam, hear me.
Artem, And be again refused 1
AnUm, The tender of
My life, my service, or, since you vouchsafe it,*
My love, my heart, my all : and pardon me,
Pardon, drrad princess, that I made some scruple
To leave a valley of security.
To mount up to the hill of majesty.
On which, the nearer Jove, the nearer lightning.
What knew I, but your grace made trial of me ;
Durst I presume to embrace, where but to touch
With an unmanner'd hand, was death 1 The fox,
When he saw first the forest's king, the lion,
* My life, my eervice, or, tince you voueheitfe it.
My love, &c.] This to the reading of the flrrt edition,
and u evidently right. Coxeter fi^ows the second and third,
which read not instead of or. How did thto nonsense escape
Mr. M.Mason t
8
THE VmOIN.MARTYR.
[Art II
W»w «1tiio91 [1* ad wirh f(par ;• ilio socond view
Only n little rlauntfHl him, tJie tliint,
H<» ilurut Bttlute liitn boldly ; piijy vou, upply tliis;
Ant] you i^hnll find ai little time will teach tn«
To look with mnrd fnmiliar oyea tiiwii you*
Thitii duty yet allows me,
.SitjK Wflll fjccuaed.
A r tern, Vou may rvdei^m »11 yvU
Ditfrte, And, ihiit be may
Hati^ m<fm^ imd opporttinity tn do fto,
ArtrnniA, I \cQVe you my substitute
la fair Capsureii,
Sup, And hefi*» aa yourself,
We w ill oIm'V and 86IT6 her.
Diacle. Antoninus,
So yoti prove hei^, I wish no oIIm?t heir ;
Tbinit on't : — b«? careful of your c*l«ir^e» Tlieophillis ,
SiipritiuA, be you my daughter's ^fmiinri.
Vour comfrany 1 wish, confotienilp princus,
la our Dalmatian wara, whit'h fmi.slied
With victory 1 hope, and IMaximiuus,
Ouj brother and copartner in tlie empire.
At my requect won to conltrm lu much,
Tbf« kinraomii I took from you well restore,
Aod malce tou greater than you werv» before.
[Exeutil 11// hut AntLminui and Mdmnm.
Anton. Ob, 1 am lost for ever? lost, 31acrinu« !
The anchor of the wretched, hope, forsake* me,
And with one blast of fortune all my light
Of happiness is put out.
Mac You are like to thoa«
That are ill only, 'cause they are too well ;
That, surfeit! ngr io the exceas of blessings.
Call their «bundmice want. What could you wiah^
That ia not fuU'n upon you 1 honour, g:TVumt>»s,
Hesjpect, wealth ^ favour, the whole world for a dower ;
And with a prtucess, whose exoeUiDg form
Exceeds her fortune,
AiU<m. Yet poison still ia poison.
Though dmnk in gold ; and all these Mattering glories
To roe, reedy to starve, a minted banquet,
And no essential food. When I am scorch *d
"With fire, cnii ftomea in any other quench me?
What h her love to rae, greBtneaa, or empire,
TTjat am slave to another, who ulone
Can j^ive me ease or fi-eedom 1
M(u\ 8ir, you point at
Your dotage on the scorn ftit Dorolheo :
In she, tliough fairj the same day to be tuuned
With best Artemia ? In all their courseis.
Wise men propose their ends : with 6w«et Artemk
Th*^rp come» obng pleasure* security,
l^shrVd by nil that in this life is jtn^iotis :
W itlj Dorothea (though her birth be noble.
The dau|^hti!r of a senator of Rome,
By him left rich, yet with a private wealth,
And Itar infi>nor to yours) arrivea
The emperor^s frown, which, like a mortal plague,
Speiik6 death is near ; the princess* heavy scorn.
Under which you will shrink ;t your Cotber's fun.
Which to resist, even piety forbids : —
And but remctuber that she stands suspected
A favourer of the Christijui sect ; she hriii^
Not danger^ ^ut tiSHure<d destruction with her.
This truly weigh 'd one smile of great Artamift
la fo ho cherish'd* and preferr'd before
All joys in Dorothea : therefore leave her, [thou art,
Aniivu In what tlion think'st thou ait moat wise.
Grossly abused, Macrinus, and most foolish.
For any man to match obove his rank,
la hul to sell his liherty. With Artemia
I Htill must live a servant ; hat enjoying
Dirinest Dorothea, I shall rule,
Rule aa becomea a huaband : for the datiger.
Or call itt if you will, atsurfti dntruttieny
I slij^ht it tlitis. — If, tlnen, tbuu art my friend.
As I dare swear thou art, and wilt not take
A BtJVemor's place upon thee,; be mv helper.
Mac» You know I dure, and will do aity iLixig i
Put me unto the test.
.4m (oil. Go then, Macnnas,
To Dorotliea j tell her I have worn.
In all the battles I have fought, hnr figune.
Her figure in my heart, which, like a deity,
Hatfi stilt proteoteil me. Thou con'st sp^tk well.
And of thy choicest language spore a little.
To make her understand how much 1 love her.
And how I languish for her. Bear these jewels.
Sent in the way of sacrifice, not serrioe,
A 9 to my goddess : aU let:^^ thrown behind me.
Or f(^ra that may deter me, say, this morning
I mean to visit her b)"^ the name of EHendship ;
—No words to contradict this.
Mac* I am yours ;
And, if my travail tliia wny Ije ill spent.
Judge not my readier will by the event. [
4
ACT IL
SCENE I.-^^ Ritom if J DoitoTTi£A*s Hovte.
Enter Si'tTNCius, and Ihacir&H
Sptm. TumChnstkn! Would lie duit firH tempted
• tf'aa i^mutt ikat\ ^ith/gat;] The rvftdlag of il\e tnt
miAilio In dradt wlxld) iuav perbaps, be tbv gvnninr wont.
Till? fable it from the GrvtL iv ft prcccdini^ line ihci-f li
«ii illnnion (u Ihc pitivcrb :^Fn»cut a ./otnf, wd procul a
ii'Ui ihrlnk ;] Ho JiU thf nhl coplc«.
W' , ilv, ftitil riniocfilcalK n-nJ :
( " . ik, Ac, (.tmitted lu EillL vt 1813.)
I A tiiiwrnttr* pitum upmk IAetf.J Frvm fJie Lslia ; nc Hm
mihi tuitft,
♦ Alt kit thrmn biMnd wwj L t. All impwU-
menu. So In llic .Httgor nf Qvin^orvHffh .
me to have my shoes walk upoti Christian soles, had
turned me into a capon ; for I am sure now, the
stones of all my pleasure, in this fleshly ilfv, wi9
cut off.
" Mope, snd hv ante I'll imm rrtiiove lli« tct
Tbail stands bctwctii IIk'v hihI ijijr (»lury/'
li Very few of our old Knii-lisli plajj »i\' free tlmtn xhf9^
di.dogiK.t <if loifv ^U ami bntfoonery : *ivmt> tLf vire c*f Um
Hfr ; nor U Mh^in^v^t K-s* fm* rinm ll lh/ii» liU i'^rtfrnp**-
rjirk-*, TotliftMil il»piT> i« Itnpos^lblr, nur ili*U t atlviupt
it. Tbe> arc *.i{ i\\\i> luc. ttiat tlnry mark thr lattv, dil>plii>
ibtf iKinrrtv \ .Ki .V .,. «>,..( .,,. ti,. .iner aeii|;bt aial
enti I
ft i.ii lo am «kkl
pla>-, 1 ...i . .1= ,:it cuulAiiiiiiMtc^
with Aucii ^ioUUv rib«liiry m the prvwtt>{« To " low Wit,**
t
SCKKK I.J
THE VIRGIN-MARTYR.
Hir. So then, if any coxcomb has a galloping de-
. aire to ride, here's a gelding, if he can bat sit him.
' Spun, I kick, for all that, like a horse; — ^look
i else.
i Hir. Bat that is a kickish jade, fellow Spungius.
I Hare not I as mach cause to complain as thoa hast?
, When 1 was a pasan, there was an infidel punk of
i mine, would hare let me come upon trust for my
I curetting : a pox on your Christian cockatrices !
; they cry, like poolterers' wires:— No money, no
' coney.
1 1 Spun, Bacchus, the god of brew'd wine and sugar,
1 1 grand patron of rob-pots, upsy-freesy tipplers, and
I super-naculum takers ; this Bacchus, who is head
jl warden of Vintners'-hall, ale-conner, mayor of all
I I rictualling-houses, the sole liquid benefu^r to bawdy
I' houses; kmoeprenule to red noses, and invincible
1 1 adelantado over the armado of pimpled, deep-scarleted ,
1 1 rubified, and carbuncled feces
|l Hir. What of aU this?
i Spun, This bocm Bacchanalian skinker, did I make
ij legs to.
I ' Hir. Scurvy ones, when thou wert drunk.
1 1 Sputu There is no danger of losing a man's ears
I by making these indentures ; he that will not now
1 1 and then be Calabingo, is worse than a Calamoothe.
1 1 When I was a pagan, and kneeled to this Bacchus,
1 1 I durst out-drink a lord ; but your Christian lords
1 1 out-bowl me. I was in hope to. lead a sober life,
1 1 when I was converted ; but, now amongst the Chris-
tians, I can no sooner stagger out of one alehouse,
but I reel into another : Uiey have whole streets of
nothing but drinking-rooms, and drabbin;j^-cham-
bers, jumbled together.
Hir. Bawdy Piiapus, the first schoolmaster chat
taught butchers to stick pricks in flesh, and make it
swell, thou know'st, was the only ningle that I cared
for under the moon ; but, since I left him to follow
a scurvy ladv, what with her praying and our fast-
ing, if now 1 come to a wench, and offer to use her
any thing hardly (telling her, being a Christian, she
must endure), die presently handles me as if I were
a clove, and cleaves me with disdain, as if I were a
calfs head.
Spun, I see no remedy, fellow Hircius, but that
thou and I must be half pagans, and half Christians ;
for we know verv fools Uiat are Christians.
Hir. Right : the quarters of Christians are good
for nothing but to feed crows.
Spun. True : Christian brokers, thou know'st, are
1 1 made up of the quarters of Christians ; par-boil one
1 1 of these rogues, and he is not meat for a dog : no,
I or indeed to wit of any kind, it has not the sligheit preten-
, »ion ; beiog, in fiict, nothing more than a loatluome sooter-
I kin engendered of filth and dnlneaa. (It was evidently the
i aathor'a design to personify Lutt and DrunkermetB in the
characters of Hircios and Spangias, and this may accoant
for Uie ribaldry in which they indaige.) That Massinger is
I nuc free from dialogues of low wit "and bafTooncry (thoagh
• certainly, notwithalanding Coseter's assertion, he is mach
more so than his contemporaries) may readily be granted ;
bat the person who, alter perusing this execrable trash, can
' imagine ic to bear any resemblance to his style and manner,
moat have read him to very little purpose. It was assoredly
I written by Decker, as was the rest of this act, in which there
is orach to apnrove : with respect to this scene, and every
P<fc*^ ia whien the present speakers are introduced, I recom-
nicnd them to the reader's supreme scorn and contempt ; if
supreme scorn and contempt ;,
entirely wer, he wfO Jose little of the story,
ot his i«q>ect tor the author. I have carefully
_t text ta innimierahle places, but given it no
fsrther eooalderatioa. 1 repeat my entreaty that the readvr
woarid reject k akofetber.
he pass
ana a«AfaM(<
eded&text ta
no, I am resolved to have an infidel's heart, though
in shew I carry a Christian's face.
Hir, Thy last shall serve my foot : so will I.
Spun, Our whimpering lady and mistress sent me
with two gni-eat' baskets full of beef, mutton, veal
and goose, fellow Hircius
Hir. And woodcock, fellow Spungius. I
Spun. Upon the poor lean ass-fellow, on which I
ride, to all the almswomen : what think'st thou I
have done with all this good cheer ?
Hir. Eat it ; or be choked else.
Spun. Would my ass, basket and all, were in thy
maw, if I did ! No, as I am a demi-pagan, I sold the
victuals, and coined the money into pottle pots of
wine. I
Hir. Therein thou shewed'st thyself a perfect
demi-christian too, to let the poor beg, starve, and
hang, or die of the pip. O^r puling, snotty-nose
lad^ sent me out likewise with a purse of money, to
relieve and release prisoners : — Did I so, think you ?
Spun. Would thy ribs were turned into grates of
iron then.
i7tr. As I am a total pagan, I swore they should
be hanged first ; for, sirrah Spungius, I lay at my
old word of lechery, and cried, a pox on your two-
penny wards ! and so I took scurvy common flesh
for the money.
Spun. And wisely done ; for our lady, sending it
to prisoners, had bestowed it out upon lousy knaves :
and thou, to save that labour, ca^t'st it away upon
rotten whores.
Hir. All my fear is of that pink-an-eye jack-au-
apes boy, her page.
Spun. As 1 am a pagan from my cod-piece down-
ward, that white-faced monkey frights me too. I
stole but a dirty pudding, last day, out of an alms-
basket, to give my dog when he was hungry, and the
peaking chitty-face page hit me in the teeth with it.
Hir. With the dirty pudding ! so he did me once
with a cow-turd, which in knavery I would have
crumb 'd into one's porridge, who was half a pagan
too. The smug dandiprat smells us out, whatsoever
we are doing.
Spun. Does he ? let him take heed I prove not
his back-friend : Til make him curse his smelling
what I do.
Hir. *Tis my lad^ spoils the boy ; for he is ever
at her tail, and she is never well but in his company.
Enter AKOfcLO with a book, and a taper lighted ; they
seeing him, counterfeit devotion,
Aug. O ! now your hearts make ladders of your
eyes.
In shew to climb to heaven, when your devotion
Walks upon crutches. Where did you waste your
When the religious man was on his knees, [time,
Speaking the heavenly language?
Spun. Why, fellow Angelo, we were speaking in
pedlar's French, I hope,
Hir. We have not been idle, take it upon my word.
Ang. Have you the baskets emptied, which your
Sent, from her charitable hands, to women [ladv
That dwell upon her pity?
Spun. Emptied them ! yes ; I'd be loth to have
my belly so empty ; yet, I am sure, I munched not
one bit of them neither.
Ang. And went your money to the prisoners ?
Hir. Went ! no ; I carried it, and with these fin-
gers paid it away.
Ang, What wny ? tlie devir» wa^, the w»j of sin,
Thp way of hot damnntion, w«y of lust t
And you, to wash away the poor man's bread
In hfiwla of dninki»QDM«,
Spun. DrunkeniiM* I ye«, yes, I uii^ to be dnnik ;
Ottr TiRxt neigbbour^ft moii, colled Chrisfopher^ hatli
ofiea seen roe drunk, butli be not 1
/ftr. Or me giren so to the fieab ! my cbeeltB
vp^ik my doiDfi^s.
Ang. Avjiunt, ye tJiiev^es. and hollow bypocriti»a !
Vour bi'nrt.s to me lie own like black bookH*
And tlii<«r© I n>ad your aciing«*.
5/wjfi, And what do you r».»«d in tny bwrtt
ffir. Or to mine ? come, umiable Augeto, be«t the
flint of your bmins,
Spvn, And let's see what sparkB of wit fly out to
kindb> your cerebrum. [g^iuscnird,
Att^. Vour names even brand you ; you are Spun-
And like a spunge, you mwk up lickerish wiues,
Till your soul reela to b<?!L
Spun. To hell ! can any drunkard's legs cany him
so fiir? food,
dng. For blood of grnpei you sold tlie widows*
And starving them 'tJa muroer; what's this but
hull?—.
Iltrcius your name, and gontiah is your nature :
You snatch the meat out of tlie prisoner's mouth,
To fatten harlots i is not thin heil loo 1
No mi^el, but the devil, waits on you.
Spun, Shall 1 cut bid throat 1
i/j>, No ; better bum bim, for I think be ia a
witch ; but sooth, aootb him.
Spun. Fellow Angelo. trtie it ia, that falling hito
tbe componv of wicked he-christians, for my part —
liir. And sbe-onea^ for mine,-^we have them
swim in shods bard by
Spun, We must confess, I took too much out of
tbe pot ; and be of t'other hollow commodity.
Hir, Yes, indeed, we laid Jill on both of us : wo
cosim'd tbe poor ; but 'tis a etimmon thing ; many a
one. that counts himself a better Christian than we
twot has done it, by this lif^bt,
Spuji, But pray, sweet Angelo, play not ilie tell-
tale to my lady ; and, if yon take lu creeping into
any of these mouse-holea of sin any mote, let cats
flay off our skinis.
Hir, And put nothing but the poison 'd tails of ^
rats into those skins.
Ang. Will you dishonour her sweet charity.
Who saved you from the tree of death nnd abnrae ?
Hir, Would I w^ere hanged, i-utlier tbau tlius be
told of my faults,
Spun, 8 bo took us, tis true, from tbe gailows ;
yet 1 hope a he will not bur yet:>mea sprats to have
ll>eir swmg.
Afis., She comes, beware and mf*nd.
Hir» Let's bleak hia neck, and bid him mend.
Enter DoaorrtEA*
Dar. Have yoti my me«tag«a. aetit to the poor,
Delivered with goocfhandsj not robbing tbem
Of any jot was tbetrs?
Sjfitn, lUih themi Indy ! I hope neitlier toy fellow
nor 1 am thieves.
Hir. D*diverfd witli g^ood hands, miubtm ? el*e
let me never lick my lingers more when 1 (rat btit-
terM fish,
Dtrr, Wbo ebeat tbe poor, and from tbem pluck
their alma.
Pilfer from heavpn ; and there are thunderbolts
From ibence to he.it them ever* Do not lie.
Were you both fnithful, true distributers?
Spun, Lie, madam I what grivf ia it to cae fm
turn swncTf^erer, and gire your poor-minded nacnllj
serrunbi tlie lie.
thn Vm glud you do not ; if tliose wre^obed people
Tell you I hey pine for wont of any tbin«'.
Whisper but to mine ear, and you ihall Ornish tbem.
Itir. Whisper! nay, lady, for my patt 111 cry
wboop.
Anf^, Play no more, villaina, with ao good a lady ;
For, if you do
^/lUM.
Are we Christians?
II ir. The foul tiend snap all pagnoa for mm,
Ang. Away, and, once more, mead.
Spun. Takes ua for botchers.
Hir. A patcl}, a pwitrb !* [EUrant Spun, and llir.
Dor. IVIy book and taper.f
Arig. Here, most holy mistfess.
Dor. 1 hy ^^oJce sends forth such music* that I
Was nivisJi'd with a more celestial sound, [never
Wrre every servant in the world like thee,
So full of goodnessi angeU would come down
To dwell with us : thy name is Angelo,
And like that name tlioti art ; get thee to raalf
Thy youtii with too much watching is opprest*
Ah£, No, my detir lady, I could weary stars.
And ioroe the wakeful moon to lose her eyea
By my Inte watrhing, hut to wait on you.
When at your pntyer* you kneel before tbe altir,
i^letbinks I'm singing with some quire in heaTent
8o blest I hold me in your comimwy :
Therefore, my most loved mistress, do not bid
Your boy, so serviceable, to get henoe ;
For then you break bis beorl.
Dor, Be nigh me still, then ;
In goldea letters down I'll »et timt dny.
Which gave thee fo me. Little ilid 1 bop*
To meet such worlds of comfort in thyself^
This little, pretty body ; when 1, coming
Forili of the temple, heard my beggar-boy,
My sweet-faced, eodly beggar boy, crave an alma,
Whic h with glad bano I pavt«, with lucky hand ?—
Ami when I took tJn>o horop, my most chaste bcfsom,
i\fethought, was fiU'd with no hot wanlou fire,
But with a holy Same, mountiuK; since higher,
On wtugs if cherubins, than it did before,
Ang, Proud am t^ that my lady's modest eye
So likes m poor a servant.
Dor, I have offer *d
llaQdfuls of gold but to bcihold thy parents.
I would leave kiii}^domi», were I queen of some.
To dwell with (by good fathtT ; for. the son
llevritching me so deeply wiUi bivS pre&ence.
He tliat begot bini must do*t ten limes more,
I pray thee, my sweet boy, shew mo thy parvnla j
Be not ji-sliumpd.
Aug. I am iiot : I did never
Know who my mother was: but, by yon palaoo
• Hir. I pfih'hr a /
the frurd ii uvUktilly >
, rani— In f bit 1
.Vm,^ * I **.*. Act H. St. 1,
alllltiiigli DOW obnnlctc LD Uic tvu»v: ticie tituuik^ It rrt^jrctHlly
c*ccnn, io tilt! c.ld df7im4il»l«. ED.
t Dor, Afy hook and tuprr.] Wh ^ r.ii ..^. *.. ri
Ilir •eenv, in i-\t)ttUtuly tH-4tititiil. ^^
CKpiibk' iif lrl<:rn•1lllu^ niir tH*M pas»i' >
tbjil IbU mIsm) wi« wrilleu l)y Derki i ., .. ..... ,,...,
|eniu» «im1 liLs joitg,in«>iii to ihr yrtnimnUttt oi mli
only «1h|^rnc« IxloiML'lf, kad diiigtiM hU iriMtcr-
i£i
d^^^
mm
SCINB II.]
THE VIRGIN-MARTYR.
11
FOrd with bright hearenly courtiers, I dare assure
And Dawn these eyes upon it, and this hand, [you,
My &ther is in heaven : and pretty mistress,
If your illustrious hour-glass spend his sand
No worse than yet it does, upon my life.
You and I both shall meet my father there.
And he shall bid you welcome.
Dor, A blessed day !
We all long to be there, but lose the way.
\ExeunU
SCENE IL—A StnH near Dorotuba's Hotije.
"Enter Macrinvs, mst by Theopbilus and Haepax.
Theop, The Sun, god of the day, guide thee,
Mac. And thee, Theo^ilus ! [Macrinus !
Tkeoplu Clad'st thou m such scorn* ?
I call my wish biick.
Mae. I*m in haste.
Tkuok. One word.
Take the least hand of time up :— stay :
Mac. Be brief. [Macrinus,
Thmffik. As thought : I prithee tell me, good
How health and our fair princess lay together
This night, for you can teU ; courtiers have fliesf
That buis all news uoto them.
Mae. She slept but ill.
Theopk. Double thy courtesy ; how does Antoninus?
Mae. Ill, well, straight, crooked, — I know not how.
Theopk. Once more ;
— Thy head is full of windnuUs :~when doth the
Fill a bed full of beauty, and bestow it [princess
Go Antomnus, on the wedding-night?
Mac. I know not.
Theojph. No ! thou art the manuscript,
Where Antonmns writes down all his secrets :
Honest Macrinus, tell me.
Afar. Fare you well, sir. [Exit.
Harp. Honesty is some fiend, and frights liim
A numy courtiers love it not^. [hence ;
Theopk. What piece
Of this state-wheel, i^hich winds up Antoninus,
Is broke, it miis so jarringly 1 the man
Ia from himself divided : O thou, the eye
By which I wonders see, teD me, my Harpax,
What gad-fly tidkles this Macrinus so.
That, flinging up the tail, he breaks thus from me.
Harp. Oh, sir, his brain-pan is a bed of snakes.
Whose stings ahoot through his eye baUs, whose
poisonous spawn
Ingenders such a fry of speckled villainies,
That, unless channs more strong than adamant
Be used, the Roman angel's} wmgs shall melt,
• Thmpk. Glad'st thoa in euch »com f] Tbls is the reading
of «U tiie old copies, moA appeal* to l>e tlie geDoioe one.
Tbeophilos, who Is represented as a furioas xealut fur pa-
gaiiitm, is mortified at the indifference with which Macrinas
retHma the happioeas he liad wished him by his god. Mr.
M. Maaoo read«, Oaddest thou in mch team f
t cowrlifTs A«w flies] This word is nsed by
Ben Jooson, a cloae and devoted imiutor of the ancienu,
for a dcmicatic paraake, a familiar, &c. and from tiim, pro-
bably. Decker adopted it in the present sense.
X A wny eomrtimn hoe it not] Thu b the reading of the
Arst quarto. The editora follow that of the last two :— Aod
OMg Ste. which b not to good.
$ t he Roman angvl's] As angels were uo part
I «r Ibe
I Ike II
I angcii
tbeolonTf thb shoald'crrfain/v be at^fel from
amfelio, which means a bird. M. Mason.
It wen to be wiabad that critics would sometimes apply
1vis iIm advice which GoneriU gives to pooi old
' I pray yo«, father, being loniA, seem so ;"
And Caesar's diadem be from his head
Spum'd by base feet ; the kiurel which he wears,
Returning victor, be enforced to kiss.
That which it hates, the fire. And cim this ram.
This Antoninus-engine, being made readj
To so much mischief, keep a steady motion ? —
His eyes and feet, you see, give strange assaults.
Theoj^. I'm tum'd a marble statue at thy language
Which printed is in such crabb'd characters.
It puzzles all mj reading : what, in the name
or Pluto, now IS hatching?
Harp, This Macrinus*
The line is, u^n which love-errands nm
'Twixt Antoninus and that ghost of women.
The bloodless Dorothea, who in prayer
And meditation, mocking all your gods.
Drinks up her ruby colour : yet Antoninus
Plays the Endymion to this pale-iaced moon.
Courts, seeks to catch her eyes —
ITieoph. And what of this ?
Harp. These are but creeping billows.
Not got to shore yet : but if Dorothea
Fall on his bosom, and be fired with love,
(Your coldest women do so,) — had you ink
Brew'd from the infernal Styx, not dl that blackness
Can make a thing so foul, as the dishonours,
Disgraces, buffetings, and most base aSronts
Upon the bright Artemia, star o' th' court.
Great Cassar's daughter.
Theopk. I now conster thee. [fill'd
Harp. Nay, more ; a firmament of clouds, being
With Jove's artillery, shot down at once.
To pasht your gods in pieces, cannot give.
we should not then find so many of these certainti^. The
barbarons word augel, of which Mr. M. Mason speaks so
confidently, b foreign to our language, whereas anffelt in
the sense of birds, occurs frequently. Jookon beaulifully
ealb the nightingale, "the dear good emgel of the spting ;>'
and if this should be ibouKht, as it probably b, a Grecbm ;
yet we have the same term in another passage, which will
admit of no dbpnte :
** Not an angel of the air
Bird melodious, or Inrd Mr, &c.
Two Noble Kintmen.
In Mandcville, the barbarous Herodotus of a barbarous
age, there b an account of a people (probably the remaiuk
of the old Guebrcs) who exposed the dead bodies of their
parents to ihe/otr^« qf the air. They reserved, however,
the sculls, of which, says he, the son, *' letethe make a cnppe,
and thereof dr>'nkethe he with gret devociona. In remem-
braunce of the holy man that the aungeUs qf God had eten.
** By tbls expression," says Mr. Hole, •' Mandeville possi-
bly meant to insinuate that they were considered as sacred
nteuenger:** No, surely : avngelet qf God, was synony-
mous in Mandevllle's vocabulary, to fowteg qfthe air. With
Greek phraseology he was, perhaps*, but little acquainted, but
he knew his own language well. (By w^/ b meant the
Roman ansign, the eagle).
The reader cannot but have already observed how ill the
style of Decker assimilates with that of Masslnger : in the
former act Harpax had spoken sufficiently plain, and told
Theophilus of strange and important events, without these
harsb and violent starts and metaphors.
• Harp. 'iliiM Macrimu
The line {«, 4c.] The old copies read time. Before I mw
Mr. M. Mason's emendation, I had altered it to twine. Line
however, appears to be the genuine word. The allusion is
to the rude fire>works of our ancestors. So, in the Fawne,
by Marston.
• " Page. There be squibs, sir, running upon linea, like
some of our gawdy gallants," &c., (and in Decker's Honest
Whore. " Troth mistress, to tell you true, the fire-works
then ran from me upon linei" &e.)
f To pash ifour gode in piecee ] So the old copies. Cox-
etcr (who is followed, as usual, by Mr. M. Mason), ignorant
perhaps of the sense of paeh, changed it to daeh, a word of
far less energy, and of a different meaAlng. The latter sig-
nifies, to throw one thing with violence against another ; the
19
THE VIRGIX-MARrYR.
[AcrlL
With all those thanderbolts, so deep m Wow
To the religrion there, and pagan lore.
As this ; for Dorothea hates vour gods.
And. if she once hiast Antoninus* soul.
Making it foul like hers. Oh ! the example—
Theoph. Eats through C«^sarea*s heart like liquid
poison.
Hare I invented tortures to tear Christians,
To see but which, could all that feel bell's torments
Hare leave to stand aloof here on earth's staee.
They would be mad *tiU they again descended,
Holciing the pains most horrid of such souls,
May-games to those of mine : has this my hand
Set down a Christian's execution
In such dire postures, that the very hangman
Fell at my foot dead, hearing but their figures ;
And shall Macrinus and his feUow-masker
Strangle me in a dance !
Harp. No ;— on ; 1 hu^ thee.
For drilling thy quick brams in this rich plot
Of tortures 'gainst these Christians : on ; I hug thee !
Theof)h. Both hug and holy me ; to this D^thea
Fly thou and I in thunder.
Harp. Not for kingdoms
Piled upon kingdoms : there's a villain page
Waits on her, whom I would not for the world
Hold traffic with ; I do so hate his sight
lliat, should I look on him, I must sink down.
Theoph. I will not lose thee then, her to confound ;
None but this head with glories shall be crown *d.
Harp. Oh ! mine own as I would wish thee.
[Kxeunt.
SCENE III. — A Room in DoROTiiE.i*s House,
Enter Dorothea, Macrinus, and Angelo.
Dor. My trusty Angelo, with that curious eye
Of thine, which ever waits upon my business,'
I prithee watch those my still-negireent servants,
That they perform my will, in what s enjoined them
To the good of others ; else will you find them flies,
Not lying still, yet in them no good lies :
Be careful, dear boy.
Ang. Yes, my sweetest mistress.*
Dor. Now, sir, you may go on.
Mac. I then must study
A new arithmetic, to sum up the virtues
Which Antoninus gracefully become.
There is in him so much man, so much goodness,
[Exit.
former, to ttrike a thing with Mich force u to crash it to
pieces. Thai in Act IV. of this tragedy :
-when the battering ram
Wu fetching his career backwards, to poA,
lie with bis horns in pieces."
The word is now obsolete ; which is to be regretted, as we
have none thai can adequately snpply its place : it is nsed in
its proper sense by Dryden, which is the latest insUnce 1
recollect :
" Thy cnnning engines have with labour raised
My heavy anger, lilce a mighty weight.
To fall and jMtk thee."
Mr. Glflbrd might have added the following iDnstration in
which the distinction between pa^ and daah b pointedly
roarkwl. * ^
" They len him (Becket) not till they had cut and poshed
oat his brains, and daahed them-abont npon the chnrch
pavement." Holinshcd, Hen. II. an. 1171.
It wonM not be difficalt to cite many other authorities to
snpport of the use here made of this now obsolete word. Shaka-
peare frequently uses it. RD.
• Ani. Yet, n.p sweetest mitire$B.] So the oW copies :
the nuKfern editors read. Yet, my sweet mlafrcsa, which de-
sloys the metre.
So much of honour, and of all things rise, 11
Which make our being excellent, uat frcnihis store '
He can enough lend oChen ; yet, much ts'on fran
him, j
The want shall be as little, as when sens I
Lend from their bounty, to fill up Uie poomessl*
Of needy rivers. !
Dor. Sir be is more indebted
To you for praise, than yon to him Ant owes it.
Mac. If queens, riewmg bis presents pud to the
whiteness
Of your chaste hand alone, should be nmbhioas
But to be parted in their nuneioas sheras ;t
This he counts nothing : coold jroa see main eimies
Make battles in the quarrel of ms Tslour,
That 'tis the best, the truest, this were nothing;
The greatness of his state, his &ther*s roice
And arm awing C«sares4 he ne'er boasts of;
The sunbeams which the emperor throws upon him.
Shine there but as in water, and gild him
Not with one spot of pride : no, desrest benntj, I '
All these, heaped up together in one scale, |
Cannot weigh down the lore he bears to jon, |
Being put into the other. !
Dcr. Could gold buy yon j
To speak thus for a friend, yon, nr, are woirthy
Of more than I will number ; and this your langn^
Hath power to win upon another woman.
Top of whose heart tbe feathers of this world
Are gaily stuck : but all which first yon named.
And now this last, his love, to me are nothing.
Afar. You make me a sad messenger ;— but him-
self
Enter Antondtus.
Being come in person, shaU, I hope, hear from yoa
Music more pleasing.
Anton. Has your ear, Macrinus,
Heard none, then I |
Mae. None I like.
Anton. But can there be
In such a noble casket, wherein lie
Beiuty and chastity in their full perfections,
A roclcy heart, killing with cruelty
A life that's prostrated beneath vour leett
Dor. 1 am guilty of a shame f yet ne*er knew.
Thus to hold parley with you ;— pray, sir, pardon.
Anton. Good sweetness, you now have it, and shsU
Be but so merciful, before your wounding me [go;
With such a mortal weapon as Farewell,
To let me murmur to your virgin ear.
What I was loth to by on any tongue
But this mine own.
Dor. If one immodest accent
Fly out, 1 hate you everlastingly.
Anton. My true love dares not do it.
Mae, Hermes inspire thee !
• toJSU up the poomen.] Tbe modem cditonrcad
I know not why— fo Jill ttp their p oo rm e m !
f i^sif to be parted iis theW mnmrow sAsret ,*} This th« | '
former editors have modernised into
But to be partners, ttc
a better word, perhaps, but not for that, to be nnwarrantabiy
thrust into the text. The expression mav be foand ia the
writers of our author's age, especially in Ben Joosoo, ia Ike
sense here required : to be parted; to be lavoarcd, or «••
dowed with a part.
* And arm awing Ceeeareeu] I have ventured to dlffrr
here fh>m all tbe copies, which read ewUig ; Che cn>cr, ifit
be one, as I think it is, probably arose from the espcwilaa
being t4kcn «l<iwn by the ear.
Scene III.]
THE VlRGIN-MARTYIt
19
Enter above, Aetemu, Sapritivii, Tueophilus,
Spuvgius, and Hibcids.
Spun, So, now, do you see ?— Our work is done ;
the fish joa angle for is nibbling at the hook, and
therefore untruss the ood-piece-point of our reward
no matter if the breeches of conscience fall about our
heels.
TTuopk, The gold you earn is here ; dam up your
And no words of it. * [mouths,
Hir. No ; nor no words from you of too much
damning neither. I know women seU themselves
daily, and are hacknied out for silyer : why may not
we, then, betray a scurry mistress for gold ?
Spun. She saved us from the gallows, and, only
to keep one proverb from breaking his neck, we'll
hang her. [white bo)'s.
Theopk. T'is well done; go, go, you're my fine
Spun. If your red boys, 'tis well kno^-n more ill-
favoured faces than ours are painted.
Sap. Those fellows trouble us.
j ' Tkeoph, Away, away !
i I Hir. I to my sweet placket.
1 1 Spun, And I to my roll pot.
1 1 [^Exeunt. Hhr, and Spun.
j Anton. Come let me tune you: — glaie not thus
I With self-love of a vowed virginity, [your eyes
I ; Make every man your glass ; you see our sex
I I Do never murder propagation ;
I ! We all desire your sweet society,
1 1 And if you bar me from it, you do kill me,
I And of my blood are guilty.
I, Artem. O base villain !
I i Sap. Bridle your rage, sweet princess.
I Anton. Could not my fortunes,
I Rear*d higher far than yours, be worthy of you,
I Methinks my dear affection makes you mine.
I Dor. Sir, for your fortunes, were they mines of
I He that I love is richer ; and for worth, [gold,
j You are to him lower than any slave
I Is to a monarch.
Sap. So insolent, base Christian !
I Dor. Can I, with wearing out my knees before
I Get you but be his servant, you shall boast [him,
^ You re equal to a king.
I Sap. Confusion on thee.
For playing thus the Ijring sorceress' ! [the sun
I Anion. Your mocks are great ones ; none beneath
I I Will I be servant to. — Ou my knees I beg it,
t Pity me, wondrous maid.
! I Sap. I curse thy baseness.
I Theaph. Listen to more.
Dor. O kneel not, sir, to me.
I I Anton, This knee is emblem of an humbled heart :
I That heart which tortured is with your disdain,
Justly for scorning others, even this heart,
' To which for pity such a princess sues,
I As in her hana offers me all the world,
I Great Cesar's daughter.
I Artem, Slave, thou liest
I. Anton, Yet this
Is adamant to her, that melts to you
In drops of blood.
Tkeoph. A very dog !
Anton. Perhaps
Tia my religion makes you knit the brow ;
Yet be you mine, and ever be your own :
1 ne'er will screw your conscience from that Power,
On which you Christians lean.
Sap, I can no kmger
Fr^ out my life with weeping at thee , villain.
Sirrah ! [Atoud.
Would, when I ^t thee, the high Thunderer s hand
Had struck thee m the womb !
Mac. We are betray 'd.
Artem. Is that the Idol, traitor, which thou kneel'st
Trampling upon my beauty ? [to,
Tkeoph. Sirrah, l>andog* !
Wilt thou in pieces tear our Jupiter
For her? our Mars for her ? our Sol for her ?
A whore ! a hell-hound ! In this globe of brains.
Where a whole world of furies for such tortures
Have fouffht, as in a chaos, which should exceed.
These naiu shall flnubbing lie from skull to skull.
To find one horrider than all, for you.
You three !.
Artem. Threaten not, but strike : quick vengeance
Into my bosomf ! caitiff! here all love dies, [flies
{Exeunt above,
Anton. O ! I am thunderstruck ! We are both
o'erwhelm'd
Mac. With one high-raging billow.
Dor, You a soldier,
And sink beneath the violence of a woman !
Anton. A woman ! a wrong'd princess. From
such a star
Blazing with fires of hate, what can be look'd for.
But tragical events? my life is now
The subject of her tyranny.
Dor. That fear is base.
Of death, when that death doth but life displace
Out of her house of earth ; you only dread
The stroke, and not what follows when you're dead
There's the great fear, indeed t : come, let your eyes
Dwell where mine do, you'll scorn their tyrannies.
Re-enter below, Artemia, SAPRmus, Tiieophilvs, a
guard ; Angei.o come* and stands dote by Doro-
thea.
Artem. My father's nerves put vigour in mine arm.
And I bis streneth must use. Because I once
Shed beams of favour on thee, and, with the lion,
Play'd with thee gently, when thou struck'st my
ril not insult on a base, humbled prey, [heart,
• Theoph. Sirrak, bandog.
JVilt thou in pieces tear our Jupiter.] A bandog, ai the
name imports, was a d«>g so fierce, as to require to be
chained op. Bxndogs are frequently mentioned by oar old
writers (indeed the word occurs three times in this very
flay) and always with a reference to their savage nature.
f the term was appropriated to a species, it probably meant
a large dog, of the mastiff kind, which, though no longer
met with here, is still common in many parts of Germany :
it was familiar to Snyders, and if found m most of his huut-
ine-pieces.
In this country the bandog was kept to bait bears: with
the decline of that " noble sport," peitHips, the animal fell
into disuse, as he was too ferocious for any domestic pur-
pose. Mr. Uilrhrist has ftamished me with a curious pas-
sage from Laneham, Mhich renders any further details on
the subject unnecessary. " On the syxih day of her majes-
tves cumming, a great sort of bandog* whcar thear tyed in
the utter coonrt, and thyrtecn bears In the inner. Whooso-
ever made the panncll thear wear enoow for a queast, and
one for a challenge and need wear. A wight of great wis-
doom and gravitie seemed their foreman to be, had it
cnm to a Jury : but it fell oout that they wear caused to
appeer thear upon no such matter, but onlie too onswear
too an auncfen/ auarrtle between them and the bandog*,*' ftc.
Queen Elizabeth* Entertainment at KiUingworth Caetle, in
1075.
t quick vengeance fiie*
Into my botom, ice] The old copies read. Into thy
bo*om. For the change, which is obviously necessary, I am
answerable.
X There'* the great fear indeed:] The modem editors
omit gruit, which is fonmi in the first and second quartos.
Br lingefinj oat tby tvrrora ; but with one frovrn
Kill tbie : hence with *era all to execution.
Beiie him ; but let even death it«elf be weary
la torturinf!^ her. I'll change those smiles to shrieks ;
Giru the f<M)l what she^s proud of, martyrdom i
In pitfces rack that bawd too.
Aap. Albeit the reverence
I owe OUT ffoda, and voU;, are in my bosom,
TorreoU so strongs tW pity qnit« lie* drown*d
From saTtDK this youoj^ man ; vet, when I »Mt
What §a/C9 Seath girea bim, ana diat a Uiing within
days, *tis my son. t am forced to be a man, [mo
And grow k)nd of hia life, which thus 1 beg.
ArUm, And I deny,
Amton* Sir, you dishonour me.
To ilU) for that which 1 disclaim to have.
I ab^l more glory in my fiufFerings gain
Than you in giving judgment, since I oAct
Wy blood up to your anger ; nor do I kneel
To kaep a wretched life of mine from ruin ;
PreatTve this temple, builded fair aa yours ia*,
An<l CiDJiar never went in greater triumph.
Than 1 shall! to the icafibld.
Artm. Are you so brave, iir T
Set forward to his triumph, and 1st those two
Go eursing along with him,
Uar, No, but paying,
For ray [mrt, I, that you lose ten times more
Bv torturing rae, than I that dare vour tortures :
Tnrough all the army of ray sins. I have even
Laboured to break, and cope with deatli to tli' face*
Tbe visage of a hangman frights not m« ;
Tbe «ght of whips* racks, gibbets, axes, fires,
Are scaffoldings by which my ioul climbs up
To SQ eCemal habitation.
Thwph. Ciwaar's imperifd daughter, hear me spemk
r<*t not this Christian thing, in this her pageantry
Of jproud deriding both our god.** and Cn >ftar»
Build to hersfilf a kingdom in her deatlu
Goingt Isughing from ui : no ; her bitterest tonneDt
Shali be, to feel her constitnry Ireaten down :
TUe bmvery of her resolution lie
BatteT*d, by argument, into such pieces,
That she again shall, on her belly, cwep
To kiss the pavements of our piunim gods*
j4if#ni. How to be done ?
Thfoph, V\\ bend my dnnehteri to her,
And they shall turn her rocky faith to wax ;
Else spit at me Jet me be made your slave.
And meet do Roman's but a rillain's gmve.
Artem. Thy prisoner let her be, then ; and,
Sapritius,
Your son and that{, be yours : desth shnH bo sent
1\} hJm that sudTers them, by voice or letters,
To ^reet each other, Rifte her estate \
Cbnadnns to beggary brought, grow desparate.
thf trmplf, hulW it /air ti§ iftntri it,] At tbU
Due ttiiiMU, Antui]iiiit» > request i», iiot incrvU Out Aitfiula
ftbuulrl prparfvc F)orvithr4, but thil pKc sboulJ rxl^c hir i^r n
fttfrtc of 6|ilLiulijiur c<]iMt to her w^%n* Jhv iit>»iinlkiy uf
tn|»(H«Mni|( lh«it lit fthouM n\*kc ihh tff\\\r^i »•. « prkiccM,
wliu hsu cooUvmucfl Ittm lo i^vitlh, hi r.ivuar of tipr riVMl,
rosde me wpptt^e ilni thcrv mint In; Hri rrrur in ibh pmi*
TiV , ■ ^ ' A -jngk" i<l<iitcc Ni vlittrr i>r ihc
fkr .VI' fAvt4| <il| tiii» LiUiai : huihi
it Mtto, 1001 » whtch Cunctvr ful-
Imiiti i| ; 111 I IK Mittt r< II riiiiui# K* Ml >tic Ivlttf
t ltuittj( luuyhimtf Jrmn um ] So iltv »lil cofiie* ; Ithtrli |a
tnt mure cune^ t iImu tUv iiuKlvnt rc^dLus— ih; hatj/ktiiff
I Yomr «0M and tti^t.l Me«*ilMc Mteriaqi, whom li^^tirv
•ke h^iUtAlM « b4wi| — M, lit«M!v,
Dnr, f^till on the bread of poverty let me foed.
Ang. O ? my admired mistres'*, qtieiich not out
The holy fires within yon, though t«mptatiofM
Shower down \i\wn yxfU i clasp tbine annour <m.
Fight well, and thou sbalt see, albr tbeao wan«
Thy bead wear sunbeams, and tby lert loucii etaim,
[tiama att but At^gtb.
Eitur Hiftoitrs mid SrinsotiM^
Hir* How now, An^lo ; bow ia if, bow is i* *
What tlinstkd apios tliat whore Fgrtiuo upon. La
wheel now ?
Spun. Cfirn* esLi, earn* fiffa, poor knave t
llir. Ciimment pwi/tt*wM^ cwnmfnt |Nirte-ww in,
mon petit eitr^ou ?
Spun, Sly pretty wee comrnde, my half-inch of
man's fleah,' how mo the dice of this ctieatinr woiid,
bal
Ans;* Too well on yonr sides , you are hid ia gold
OW head and enrs.
Hir. We thank our fates, the sign of the guigla-
boya haniirs at tbe doors of our pockets.
Spun, Who would think that we, coming fonlt
of the a — , as it were, or fag-end of the ifvorld, sboold
yet see the golden age, when so little &tver u
stirring.
Uir, Nay. who can say any citizen is an ass, for
loading hi«own back with money tiQ hia soul cracks
again, only to leave bis son like a gilded coicomb
behind him? Will not any fool take me for a wist
man now, seeing mo draw out of the pit of my ix«a>
surv tliis little god with bin belly full of gold f
^^pun. And this, full of the same meat, out of ajf
ambry.
Aug. That gold will melt to poison.
Spun, Poison ! would it would ; wbol« pjoli flbr
healths should down my iliroat,
Hir, Gold, pobou ! there is never a she-ilirasber
in Csaarea, that lives'!; on tbe Hail ofmooej, will oaU
it so.
An^, Like slaves you sold your souls for golden
Bewraying her to death, who atiapt betw eeti [dros«.
You and the gallows.
Spun, It wns an easy matter to save us, ahe beiiif
so well back'd.
Hir, The gallows and we fell out ; so she did but
part us,
Ang, The misery of that mistress is mmib own }
She lieggarVl, 1 left wretched*
Ifir, i can but let my nose drop in sorrorw, with
wet nyes for her.
Spun, The petticoat of her estate is unlaaed, 1
conlWss.
Hir, Ves, and theVmock of her chanty is now aU
to pieces,
Ang, For love you bear to her, for some good lunu
Dane you by me, give roe one piece of *ilv*r.
Hir, Mow* a piece of silver I if thuu wrcrt an
angel uf gold, I would not put thee into white moo**^ ,
unless I wei}2;hed thee ; and I weigh thee not a m- h
Spun, A piece of silver! 1 never had but tnn
cftlveai m my life, and those my mother loft me *, I
will rather part from tli© fat of them, thaa Cram a
niu-»twrd-(olten*s worth of argent.
Ihr. And ko, *iwmit nil, we crawl from ihie.
Spun. Adieu, denu-dandipnit, adieu !
j4#^. Stay,— one word yet j you tiow tre full of
gold.
Hir. I would be sorry my dog were so full of tha
Or Mnj iow of nuiie of the meazfes eitlier.
Go, go! you're beggars botli ; you art» not
on TOOT feel. [frorUi
Hir, Aw«y, away^ hoy I
Spun* Pig»t you do 'oothiog bat tfit paicli«i on
€bm •oiie>9 of yoor ieits.
I am glad I tried your lor«, wbich, me ! I
aa tMt is full, [ wont not.
And ao long as this, so long at this.
Spvngiiitt yon ara a pickpocket.
' Spnm, HirciQs, tbou bast niin'd:— ^o long at! —
•ot ao much money ia \ttt as will buy u lou^.
Hir, TboQ art a thief, and thou liest in that gut
diroagb which thy wina runs, if Uioo deaiest ir.
5pM3t. Thou li«at de«per than the bottom of mine
enraged pocket, if tbou afironteat it.
^i»g. No blows, no bitter langnage ; — all your
gold gofie i
J^ Spun* Can the deril creep into one's breeches ?
B /frr. Yea, if his borotonce get into the cod -piece.
H^ifla^. Come, aigh not ; I ao tittle am in love
r
ATI yours . diride the hf^ap in ftquul almre.
So vou will go ftloag witlj me to prison.
And in our mistreats' sorrows bear a part*
Sttv, will vou ?
Kfth. Will we!
Span, It she were going to hsn^og. no guflowa
should part us.
Hin Let us both be tum'd into a rope of oaiona,
if we do not,
Aftg, Follow me, then : repair your bad deeds past;
Hanpy are men, when their best days are kst !
Sfmn, True, master Angelo ; pray^ sir, lead the
way.
liir. Let him Icfld that way, but
this way.
Spun, I IfTe in a gnol !
I fir. Away, and shift for ourselves: — She*U do
well enough there; for prisoners are more hungry
aflLer mutton, than catch poles after prisoners.
Sptttu Ia?i Ijur stan-e iheo, if a whole gaol will
not 6U her belly, lExeunL
[Exit AhgitiK
follow thou me
ACT III.
SCENE L—A lUam in DoRoraiAV ffaitie.
Emitr Bh^msnc^ Tufjopuiuvt, FrmU Causta, and
CiiRisTrrA.
&m. Siek to tbe death, I fear*.
Tittpk, I iDset TOUT aorrow,
WiA BV trtta feilit^ of it.
Stp, gbe'a a wiien,
A sflTocresdi. Theophilus ; my son
Is ehann*d by her enchanting eyes ; and, like
Am ioMfe nuide of wax, her beams of beauty
MiAt na to aothtng : aU my hopes in htm.
Ami tD Ilk gottoEi honoors, find their gntre
In bia «tf«nge dotage on her. Would, when first
fie aair and loved her, that the earth had open'd
r*d both aliire !
T&flipA. Tb«reV bop«< left ycL
V „t ,*,*. . though the princess were api>eas«d»
•re surrender 'd up ;
nstian is so transported
Ikei* Khgioa, that unless my son
let fais* parish fir^t f ) drink tlje same potion,
be of ber belief, shell not vouchsafii
bia lawfnl wife.
Priert. Bat, 0110a remored
From ber opioioo, u I reat aasnred
i\Thmwmnm» of tbeae bolr maids will win her»
I^BB §ad km traeiibla'to any thing,
^^^Hwr «oiiliaf or fata.
^^^lipL If dbo i^lbaa it.
The SCffilB dM^ iKPMUcig ttiJWitioas airs,
Tka
I, due basfliak'a killing eye,
that does emah tlia baDee^
shall not tppctr
It i# drlk^htfiiL aflcr
r rfic ftlNtldri «o4 kAriAarM vT Utr preretlinK met, la f Jl
s^danUi Ikm cfear sad kamioaliwt prrM« uf M^Min^ftr.
«« b«ae* la Ac cwwclaitnn of the •econd fcvut, wbtrv
erowdi^l vtllli
Leas fatal to her, than my bmI made hot
With lore unto my fjmb» 1 have deferred it.
In hojMPs to draw b«ick thii> npostJitP,
Which will be greater honour thuii tu^t ilcnth,
Unto ber father s faith ; and, to thnt end,
Hare brought my daughters hither.
CaL And we ^oubt not
To do what you desire.
Sap, Ivet her be sent for.
Prosper in your good work ] and were I not
To attend tne princess, I would see and hear
How you succeed.
Theoph. I am commanded too,
V\\ bear you company.
Sop, (liire tliem your ring.
To lead htT as in triumph, if they win her
Before her highness. [ExiL
Theaph. Spjupo no promises,
Persuaitiona, or threats, I do conjnre you :
If you prevail, 'tis rhe most glonoua work
Vou ever undertook.
Ent^ DonomxA and Awgc^
Pfi<a^ She comes.
Thritph. We leave you ;
Be constant, and be careftiL
[Exeunt Theaph and PrUit,
Cat, We are sorry
To meet vou under guard.
Dor, But I mofv grieved
You are nt liberty. i?o well I lore you,
That I could ntnftll), for iuch a cause as mine,
You were my fellow -prisoners : Prithee, Angelo,
Reach us some chairs, I'lease you sit
CaL We titaak you :
Our vi^it is for love, love to your safety,
CkriiL Our conference muat be private, pray vou,
Command your boy to Itsave ua. [therefore,
Dor, You may iraH him
Witii any secret that conceroa my life,
Falaebcod and be are ainngera : bad you, ladies.
16
THE VIRGIN-MARTVTl.
[Act UL 1
Been hiess'd with such a senrsnt, you had never
Fursook that way, your journey even half ended,
That leads to joys eternal. In the phice
Of loose lascivious mirth, he would have stirrM you
To holy meditations ; and so far
He is nrom flattery, that he would have told you.
Your pride heing at the height, how miserahle
And wretched things you were, that, for an hour
Of pleasure here, have made a desperate sale
Of all your right in happiness hereafter.
He must not leave me ; without him I fall :
In this life he's my servant, in the other
A wish'd companion.
Ang, Tis not in the devil.
Nor all his wicked arts, to shake such goodness.
Dor, But you were speaking, lady.
CaL As a friend
And lover of your safety, and I pray you
So to receive it ; and, if you remember
How near in love our parents were, that we.
Even from the cradle, were brought up together,
Our amity increasing with our years,
We cannot stand suspected.
Dor, To the purpose.
Cat, We come, then, as good angels, Dorothea,
To make you happy ; and the means so easy.
That, be not you an enemy to yourself,
Already you enjoy it.
Christ, Look on us,
Ruin*d as you are, once, and brought unto it
By your persuasion.
CaL But what followed, lady ?
Leaving tliose blessings which our gods gave freely.
And shower'd upon us with a prodigal hand.
As to be noble bom, youth, beauty, wealth,
And the free use of these without control.
Check, curb, or stop, such is our law's indulgence !
All happiness forsook us ; bonds and fetters
For amorous twines ; the rack and hangman's whips
In place of choice delights ; our parents' curses
Instead of blessings ; scorn, neglect, contempt.
Fell thick upon us.
Christ. This consider'd wisely,
We made a fair retreat ; and reconciled
To our forsaken gods, we live again
In all prosperity.
CaL By our example.
Bequeathing misery to such as love it.
Learn to be happy. The Christian yoke's too Iieavy
For such a dainty neck ; it was framed ratlier
To be the shrine of Venus, or a pillar
More precious than crystal, to supiK)rt
Our Cui>id's image : our religion, lady,
Is but a varied pleasure ; yours a toil.
Slaves would shrink under. [devils ?
Dor. Have you not cloven feet? are you not
Dare any say so much, or dare I hear it
Without a virtuous or religious anger 1
Now to put on a virgin modesty.
Or maiden silence, when His ]K)wer is question'd
That is omnipotent, were a greater crime
llian in a bod cause to be impudent.
Your gods ! your temples ! brothelhouses ratlier.
Or wicked actions of the worst of men
Pursued and practised. Your religious rites !
Oh t call them rather juggling mysteries.
The baits and nets of hell : your souls the prey
For which the devil angles ; your false pleasures
A steep descent, by which you headlong fall
Into eternal torments.
CaL Do not tempt
Our powerful gods.
Dor. Which of your powerful godi 1
Your gold, your silver, brass, or wooden onia, ' '
Tliat can nor do me hurt, nor protect you *1
Most pitied women ! will you sacrifioa
To such,— or call tliem gods or goddesses.
Your parents would disdain to be the same.
Or vou yourselves ? O blinded ignoranoe !
Tel[ me, Calista, by the truth, I charge you.
Or any thing you hold more deer, would you.
To have him aeified to posterity.
Desire your father an adulterer,
A ravislier, almost a parricide,
A vile incestuous wretch 1
CaL That, piety
And duty answer for me.
Dor. Or you, Christeta,
To be hereafter register'd a goddess.
Give your chaste body up to the embraces
Of goatish lust \ have it writ on your forehead :
" lliis is the common whore, the prostitute.
The mbtress in the art of wantonness.
Knows every trick and labyrinth of desirps
That are immodest V*
Christ, You judge better of me.
Or my affection is ill placed on you ;
Shall I turn strumpet ?
Dor. No, I think you would not ;
Yet Venus, whom you worship, was a whore ,
Hora, the foundress of the public stews.
And has, for that, her sacrifice ; your greet god.
Your Jupiter, a loose adulterer.
Incestuous with his sister : read but those
That have canonized them, youll find them worse
llian, in chaste languf^^^e, 1 can speok them to you.
Are they immortal then, that did partake
Of human weakness, and had ample share
In men's most base affections ; subject to
Unchaste loves, anger, bondage, wounds, as men sre^
Here, Jupiter, to serve his lust, tum'd bull.
The shape t, indeed, in which he stole Europe ;
Neptune, for gain, builds up the walls of Troy,
As a day-labourer ; Apollo keeps
Admetus' sheep for bread ; the Lemnian smith
Sweats at the forge for hire ; Prometheus here.
With his still-^wing liver, feeds the vulture ;
Saturn bound last in hell with adamant chains j
And thousands more, on whom abused error
Bestows a deity. Will you then, dear sisters.
For I would have you such, pay your devotiooa
To things of less power than yoursdvesl
CaL We worship
Their good deeds in their images.
Dor. By whom fashion'd ?
By sinful men. Ill tell you a short tale^*
Nor can you but confess it is a true one :
* That can nor <fo me hurt, nor protect you /] l!<;rc
spirited, ami more iu tUc aiiUior's manner, ihjin the ivadiug
of the last quarto, which the moilem cdiion follow :
That cannot do me hurt, nor protect jfom f <
t The shape, buleed, &c.] The old copies read. The aliip,
indeed. Sec, Corrected by Coxcter. [OmiUcd In c<lj|. vi
1813.}
: rU tell you a short Ule, &c.] I oocc tho«cM '
I hud read this ahort tale in Amoblos, from whom, ■■<
from Angustin, much of tlie preceding speech ia taken ;
bat, npon loolcing him over again, I can acarccly find a
tr.ice of it. Hvro<lotni has, indeed, a story of a king «f
Egypt (Amasis), which bears a distant reaemblaafcc to K;
bnt the application U altogether differrat >-lbere i« a f
l|
tlL]
THE VIKOIN^MARTYR.
If
g dif Effypt, bf mg to enwi
tEOi^ of UflijTH, wUom tbej honour,
from the matrontt' ueckft Lbe ridia^ jffireLi ,
]fiifie^t jEfold, !.< the mutenslji,
lish up hb i^-ork i wrhkh ptr&<?ted,
til Kjlettmity he set it up ^
. adortidf and served himjsdrhk idol ;
ing it to fiTfi him victory
lat hm enemi«a : but, bem^ orflrthfowii,
^ agaiiul hifl ^od (Uieoe are fine god^,
ct to hiunan futy I ), b« too& down
eHMlMB diing:, md lUftliiri^ it &^ld*
ada abuoa, m wJikh i^unuctj^ wasb'd
oncobine'i feat ; ind for thiis itoniid ua*
iBonthft it served : ku mtfltress pr^via^ falie,
o«t indeed do so^ and grace coiurluded
f<en him and the priests, of the mme baaon
uide his god agruo ■ — Thkik^ thitik of this
tiien cotuideft if all worldly hoooiiiH^
ea«tire» th«£ do lears shurp scingg b<^hind them,
pow^ to wiii Buch aj have reuofULbla •oula.
It thetr trust in droM.
L Oh, that I bad been bora
out a father !
list. Piety to him
nun'd ua fior ever.
r. Think not ao ;
may repair oil j^t : the attribate
epeaka hia Godhe&d mtist, ia mercifiil :
Dge ia pmper to iBe fit^nda you worahip,
iannot Btrike irithout hm l«ire, — ^Vuu weep,—
da a heareoly ahower celestial bsdm
ire your wo*jn'^*»i!l c^ripi^f i*^rrc>' \H k fall,
hiek ujion it ; and, when that ia apent,
elp it with another of my teara :
toMj yonr true rep^ntMice prove (Lb child
y tme iorrow, nerer mother had
th ao happy !
U We nxfi cAu^hi ouraelrea,
caXD0 to mke you i and, aasored of conquest,
re your captires.
r. And in that you triumph :
fietory had been eternal losa,
this your loaa immortal guin. Fii liere,
fOM. shall feel youn«hW inwafdly ;um'd
i*t tortures, deaths mad bell : — but, take heed,
lifters, [auaaiooa,
or through wedkneM, ibreaca, or mild per-
gfa of a lamer, you &U not into
^nd and a worse apoataey,
L ^rever, oh never I ateel'd by your example,
Jine the womt of tyranny.
rwf. Here's our wajrani,
ihall aloKLf and witneaa it,
r. Be eofifirm*d then ;
rest aasuf«d, the more yon suffer here,
nora your glcny, yon to heaTen more dear.
lExeunL
SCENE Il^—Thf GoTeraora Palaet.
llfT Aft^rSMIA, SAFaimTB, TuEOPHlLttS, ««l
flARFJkX.
wm, Sapdtina, though ^ouraon deaervp.a n<>pily,
lipve ma ticbseas : bta contempt of ua,
ast behind og, and look back upon
ETvicfi done to Cf «ar, that weighs down
[ im wblcli be Mmi hli fociu w«ix accfl<itom«d lo tpit,
4«crJ%vt, &c, which Ij fijTitjed int^a ^ . bpi TvbffWr
traiibtd tlw po«t wiih uy bititt, J cutiuoi: nnilerlakv
Our just dispJeaanre. If hitt malady
Have i^wtb hom his restmint, or that you think
Hls Kberty can cui« bim, tei him have it :
Say, we forgive him freely*
Sap^ Your gtac:« bUida ua
Ever your humblest viuaois,
Jrffm. Use all meana
for his recovery ; tliougb yet I lore him,
I will not force mf ectjon. If the Christian,
VVbotie beauiy hath out-riTall'd me, be won
To be of our belief, let him enjoy her ;
That aU may know, when the cause willa, I can
Command my ovirn deairea*
Hit&ph* Be happy then,
My tord Sapritiua I am confident
Sttcb eloqueiice and sweet perssuaxion dwell
Upon my dau^Iit^ri' tongues, that they will work
To any thing they pteaae. [her
Sap. I wish they may ;
Yet 'tis no easy tiisk ta undertake,
To alter a penrerse and obstinate woman,
[A i/uwf within : loud mutie.
Artem, What m^sns this about 1
Sop. Tis seconded with musie.
Triumphant music^ — ^Ma !
Enter SiitpnoKiiii.
Semp. My lord, your daughters,
The pdlara of our faith*, having coirerted,
For ao report girtti out, the Christian lady,
The image of great Jupiter bom b^ore tliem,
Sue for aeeess.
Th^L My soul divined aa much.
1)1 eat be the tune wb«^n firat they aaw this li^Lt !
Their mother when she bore them to aupport
My feebLe age, fiird not my longing heart
With so mui:L joy, aa they in this good work
Have thrown upon me.
Enftr Priest with the Itnage of Jupiter, ineente and
^vTurr<; foihtaed by Caluta and Chbisteta,
Uttdmg DoncmiaA. |
Wekome, oh, thrice welcome, i
Daughters, both of my body and my mind !
L«t TOe embrace in you my bliss, mj comfort ;
And, Dorothea, now more welcome too,
Than if you never had fallen off I am ravish'd
With the excess of joy : — spisuk, happy daughtera,
The bleat event.
CaL We never gatn'd 80 much
By any undertaking.
TheopL O my dear girl,
Our gods reward tliee I
Dflf. Nop w-as ever tkne
On my part better spent,
€hniu We are all now
Of <>ne opinion,
Thettpiu My best Christeta ! .
MadaiUt if ever you did grace to worth,
\''ouchsafe your princely hands.
Arttm. MQ»t willingly *
Do you refuse it !
Cat Let ufi first deserve it, [prepar*
Theeph. BIy own child still f here «et our god ;
Til a intense quickly : Cotjie, fair DorotbeBt
1 will myself support you j—^-now kneel down
And pay your vows to Jupiter,
* 77t« pitian qfomrMih^ Ac 1 Mvn ai In many otter
plft^rft. ihe lingTijire of Cbrii^tiantty and pKiiiohin it ron-
foitadvQ ; fnifh^vk aIwrvi tbe t\liiinctivc term for tba
e
18
THE vmOlN-MARTlTL
lArrJII,]
Ihr. I «hall do it
Better by their exnmple.
Thioph. *Vhev shall guide you,
Thnj are fiuiiilmr with l\w sacrifice.
Jonnmrd, my twiii<i of comfort, and, to tt'och her,
Miike a joint ofTeriag*
ChritL Tliua [thtif httth $pit at the image^
Cttt And thus throw U dtfim, and t|mn» ft*
Harp, Profiuie,
And impioQft ! itand you now like a statue 1
Are you the champion of the g^oda ? where is
Your hoi J aeol, your anger 1
Thtoph. I am blaated ;
And, aa my feet were rooted here, 1 find
I hi^e no motion ; I would I bad no sight too !
Or if my ere* can nerre lo any use**
Give me, thou injured Power! a aea of tears.
To expiate this madneaa in my daughters ;
For, being themuielTee, they would have trembled at
So hhuiphemoui a deed in nny other :
For my sake, bold awhile thy dreadful thunder,
And give me padence to demand a reason
For tJ»i» acoureed act-
Dor, 'Twas bravely doile. [should look on you
Thtoph. Peajce, damn'd enchnntresa, peace! — I
With evea made red with fury, and my hand,
That aMlces with rage, ahoutd mucn outstrip my
tongue.
And laal my vengeance on your hearta ;— 4)ut ntture,
To Tou tb&t have fallen once, bids me again
To he a ikther. Ob ! how durst you tempt
Tho anger of great JoTe ?
Dor. Alack, poor Jove !
He is no swaggerer ; how smiig he stands *
Hell take a kick, or my thing,
Sap^ Stop her mouth*
Dor. It is the patient'st godling't; do not fear him;
He would not hurt the ihief that stole away
Two of bia golden locks ; indnKl he could not :
And still 'tis the some quiet thing
Tktop, Blasphemtr !
Ingenious cruelty shall punish this ;
Tliou nrf past hope: but for you vett»deardangbt0r8,
Agjiin bewitch 'd, the dew of mild forgiveneu
May gt'ntly fall, |>rovided you deserve it
With true contrition : be yoitrselvei igvin |
Sue U} the o tended deity.
ChriMU Not to be
The mistTBaa of the earth.
CaL I will not offer
A grain of incense to it, much less kneel,
Nor look on it hut with contemj.t and iicoru.
To hdvtf n thousand years conferred upon me
Of worldly blessings. IVe jirofesa ourselves
To be, likt* Dorotlien, Christians,
And owe her for thiit happiness.
Thetip. My ears
Receive, in hearing this, all deadly uljanns,
Powerful to make man wretched.
Ariem. Are these they
You bragg*d could conve
convert others f
r.^.*^ *^?*' "^ *^ "^ '" *«'•' •"•*! The modcra
'CoUorft read ;
Qr \f mif ryrt n/m Mtrtv to anff other hjt.
Othtr, wli.ih iU%\toy^ m oi»« ihe mi Ire ^ml ibc »€nie. k
aa •jMixt Inter., .,L.i.., M ,r >h" r -irtoi 1031 a^d IflilJ.
u,L I * .* *' i' * ' ' '»'>^« Iniertrd tl.ji
WW.1 .( Ilic , Mr. M, M«on, The old
eepifft concur I > ^ ,. ; ^/. ■ »!. will
1. 1 ^ f^- -f'T '"^ V'^*^ * '*• "^^^""^ eomplewi the ver»,
ll aow n!*tor#d fniiu the Ural idillon.
Sttp, That want strength
To stand themselves !
Harp. Your honour is engaged.
The credit of your cause depends opoo it i
Something you must do sutldonly,
Thfoph. And I will.
ifarp. 1 hey merit death ; but, falling by yoitr I
Twill be reconled for a juat revenge.
And holy fury in you,
Thetjpli, Do not blow
Tlie furnace of u wratli thrice hot already;
jfirnft is in my breast, wildfire bums here.
Which only blood mu^t quench. Incensed Powvl |
Which from my infancy 1 have adored.
Look down n ith favourable beam^'i upon
Tlie sacrifice, though not allow 'd thy priest.
Which I will offer to tbee , and be plctaaed
( My fiery seal inciting me to act)
To caU that justice otbera may efrle mtttder.
Come, you accurs'd, thus by the liair I dn^ yoa
Before tliis holy altar ; thus look on yon,
Less pitiful than tigers to their prey:
And thu^ with mine own hsmd I take that life
Which I gave to you. [^Kiib tk
Dor, O most cruel butcher !
Thettph. My anger ends not here : liell'i drefedlhll
Receive into thy ever-onen gntes, [|
Their damned souls, and let the Foriee* whips
On them aJone be unlisted ; and, when denth
Cloaei these ey©s, 'twill be Elysium to me
To hear their shrieks and howling^ Make me, Plold^l
Thv in!4lrument to fumiAb thee with souLi
Ot'^that accursed sect ; nor let me fall.
Till my feU vengeance hath consumed tlhant tKL
J Exit, HarpoM fmg^mg 1
•-
[Enttr Af^ih mtiimgi^
Dor, Oh, call him back agnin.
Call bock your htmgmnn ! here's one priaoiier left
To he the subject of his knife.
Art Not so i
We are not so near feeonoiled nnto the« ;
Tliou sholt Dot perish such an eesy way.
Be slit* your cburtre* S«pritiuSt now ; and vafhr
None to come near ber, till we have found o«t
Some tonnenta worthy of her,
Ang, Coumge, miatreas.
These martyrs but prepare your glorioua 1kt» ;
You shall exceed them, and not imitate* [F
SCENE III,— A Room m Dorouiea** H<i*w.
Euter Sn Koiis and llincits, raggtd. at opptmitt
HtK Snunipus ! [tatteirwl seorld* I
Spun. ^Iy fine rogue, how is it I how goe* this
//«r* Hast any money ?
Spun. Money ! No, The tavern ivy cUnga abottt
my money, nnJ kills it. Hsjtt thou any mon«yf F I
llir. No. My money is a mad bull ; and liaidlBg 1
any gap opened, away it runs.
* Arlcm 'Ti* a Itrare Mtnl] The flrtt two q«srlo« %m%9
i §(«)[« directluii here, which Co^tfler jUkd M- Matoii f«il
U»w : iCater Artemia faughit^. Htil Ari<coii« cittitliinri vm
lh« wlxgc : the error wat »«cd Rnd rrniovcd by ib«' «|H4n«*
1051, which rrjtds a« I hivc (iven it. i
t hriw gotM thiM InUered «wnU.'l The** uAko-m* \
wrelchei — hut they »rc tioi wottk ft line. Mr. Mflj^Mt^r t^h '
tervea thit tatferrtt i« itpeli with «d » in the old > '
Bhjikip»re: fhl* ki the tint opportuiilly I h>i
inrulki'rthii;, thai M»Hii)E«f eouronni to ib« mhu
Tilt UKXleru editum ooinctiin?* idopt one omxIv %»| "J.* m-t
it, aad »onictLrae» ftno(hfr, u tf the wvrdi were dlVcfvotl J
it U hvat tg he miitarm^ \
80KS III.]
THE VIRGIN-MARTYR.
19
Spun, 1 Me then a tarem end a bawdy-honee hare
&oea much alike ; the one hath red grates next the
door, the other hath peeping- holes within- doors :
the tavern hath erennore a bush, the bawdy-hoose
sometiines neither hedge nor bosh. From a tarem
man comes reeling ; nom a bawdy-house, not able
to stand In the tarem you are cosen'd with paltry
wine ; m a bawdy-houae, by a painted whore : money
may hare wine, and a whore will hare money ; but
to neither can jroa cry, Drawer, you roeue ! or.
Keep' door, rotten bawd ! without a nlrer whistle : —
We are justly plagued, therefore, tor running from
Hir, Thou didst ; I did not : Yet I had run too,
but that one gare me turpentine pills, and that staid
my running.
Span. ^^1 ! the thread of my life is drawn through
the n ee d l e of necesai^, whose eye, looking upon my
lousy br eec hes , cries out it cannot mend them ; which
so pricks the linings of my bod^ ^and those are,
hmt, lights, lungs, guts, iad midnff), that I beg
on my knees, to hare Atropos, the tailor to the Des-
Vb her sheers, and cut my thread in two,
to take ber abeers, and cut my
or to heat ^m iron goose of mortality, and so press
me to death.
Hir. Sure thy ftther was some botcher, and thy
hunm- tongue bit off these shreds-of complaints, to
patch up tM elbows of thr nittv eloquence.
Spwu And what was thy faUier I
if ir. A low-minded oobkr, a cobler whose zeal set
many a woman upright ; the remembrance of whose
awl (I now baring nouiing}tluusts such scurrystitches
into my soul, thi^ the heel of my happiness is gone
awry.
Spun. Pity that e'er thou trod*8t thy shoe awry.
Hir. Lon^ I cannot last ; for all sowterlr wax of
eomfort meltmg away, and misery taking tne length
of my foot, it boots not me to sue for life, when all
my hopes are seam-rent, and go wet-shod.
iS^pira. This shews thou art a cobler's son, by going
through stitch : O Hircius, would thou and I were
so happy to be coblers !
Hir. So would I ; (or both of us being weary of
our lires, should then be sure of shoemakers' ends.
Spun. I see the beginning of my end, for I am
almost starred.
Hir. So am not I ; but I am more than fimish'd.
Sptm. AU the members in my body are in a re-
bellion one against another.
Hbr. So are mine ; and nothing but a cook, being
a constable, can appease them, presenting to my nose
instead of his painted staff, a spit full of roast meat.
Spmu But in this rebellion, what uproars do they
nmke ! my belly cries to my mouth. Why dost not
gape and fiBedmel
Hir. And my mouth sets out a throat to my hand,
Why dost not thou lift up meat, and cram my chops
with it?
Sptm, Tbtuk my hand hath a fling at mine eyes
because they look not out, and shark for rictuals.
Hir. Whath mine eyes seeing, full of tears, cry
akmd, and curse my feet, for not ambling up and
down to fted colon, sidience if good meat be m any
place, 'tis known my feet can smelL
Spum» But then my feet, like lasy rogues, lie still,
and had rather do nothing, than run to and fro to
purchase any thing.
Hir. Why, among so many millions of people,
should thou and I only be miserable tatterdenalUons^
ragamufins, and lousy despeiatest
Spun. Thou art a mere I-am-an-o^ I-am-an-as :
consider the whole world, and 'tis as we are.
Hir. Lousy, beggarly ! thou whoreson assa foetida?
Sfnin, Worse ; ul tottering, all out of frame, thou
fooliamini !
Hir. As how, arsenic? come, make the world
Spun. Old honour goes on cratches, beggary rides
caroched ; honest men make feasts, knares sit at ,
tables, cowards are lapp'd in relret, soldiers (as we)
in rags ; beauty turns whore, whore, bawd, and both
die of the pox : why then, when all the world
stumbles, should thou and I walk upright 1 |
Hm*. Stop, look! who's yonder? I
Enter Anoelo. |
^li. Fellow Angelo! how does my little men, [
Ang. Yes ; fweU f i
And would you did so, too. Where are your clothes?
Hir. Clothes ! You see erery woman almost go '
in her loose g^wn, and why should not we hare our
clothes loose ?
Spun. Would they were loose ! '
Arig. Why, where are they ?
Spun. Where many a relret doak, I warrant, at
this hour, keeps them company ; they are pawned
to a broker. !
Ang. Why pawn'd I where's all the gold I left ^
with you ?
Hir. The gold ! we put that into a scrirener's
hands, and he hath coaened us.
Spun. And therefore, I prithee, Angelo, if thou
hast another purse, let it be confiscate, and brought
to derastation. [way
Ang. Are you made all of lies ? I know which
Your guilt- wing'd pieces flew. I will no more
Be mockt by you : be sorry for your riots.
Tame your wild flesh br labour ; eat the bread
Got with bard hands ; let sorrow be your whip.
To draw drops of repentance from your heart :
When I read this amendment in your eyes.
You shall not want ; till then, my pity dies. [Exit.
Spun. Is it not a shame, that this scurry puerilis
should gire us lessons.
Hir. I hare dwelt, thou know'st, a long time in
the suburbs of conscience, and they are erer bawdy ;
but now my heart shall take a nouse within the
walls of honesty.
Enttr Harpax IMnd.
Spun. O you drawers of wine, draw me no more
to the bar of beggary ; the sound of tcore, a pottle of
each, is worse than tbe noise of a scolding oyster-
wench, or two cats incorporating.
Harp. This must not be— I do not like when
conscience [tera !
Thaws ; keep her frosen still. How now, my mas-
Dejected ? orooping? drown'd in tears? clothes
tom ? [wmd
Lean, and ill colour'd 1 sighing 1 where's the whirl-
Which raises all these mischiefs ? I hare seen you
Drawn better on't. O ! but a spirit told me
You both would come to this, when in you thrast*
Yourselres into the serrice of that huiy, [praying I
Who shortly now must die. Where's now her
• whm lo you thnut.\ In, which completes the
rcne, fvu omitted by Mr. M. Mason, fh>m an opinion
perhape, ttiat it was anperflaooft to the urn v. Bnt this ^mm
the Ungoage of the times : fur the re^t, this whole act is
most carelessiy printed by the list editors.
c 4
to
THE VIRGIN-MARTYR.
[Acs. HI.
Wbait good got you by wmr'ms out your feet,
To nm on scurvy errands to tuo poor.
And to bear moiioy to a sort** of rogue
And lousy prison era *
Hir. Pox on tbetu t I aever prospered since I did
it*
Spun. Had I been a pagnn atill. I Bhould not
l»ve «pit white for wiint of drink ; but eome to «ny
vintner now. and bid bim trust m^.beeiiase I tiinu»d
Cbriitian. and be cries, Pob 1
Harp. You're rightly served ; before tbalpeerisbf
lady
Hod to do with rou, womc'n. wine and money
Flow*d in abundance with you, did it not 1
liir. Oh, Ihoae ^«yA t those days!
Harp, Beat not your bteosta, tear not your hair
in madneaa ;
Tboae day a shall come again, be ruled by ine,
And better, mark me, better.
Spun. 1 have seen you, sir, aa I takeit,anattie3idaiit
on tlii? lord Tbeojihilus.
Httrp, Yes, yes ; in shew his servant ; hut bark»
Take heed do body listens. [hither ! —
Spnu. Not a mouse stirs.
Htirjh I am s prince disg^uised.
Hit. Diftji^isE^ ! how 1 drunk ?
Harps Yes, my fine boy *. VU drink too, and be
I am a prince, and any man by me^ [drunk ;
Let bim but ke<>p my rule^, shall soon grow rich,
Exoeedinf^rich, most infinitely rich :
He that ahuHl serve me, is not starved from pleaaurea
Aa other poor knaves are ; no, taki« their till.
Spun, But that, sir, w©*re so rsp^ged^
Harp, Youll sny, you'd serve me T
Hir* Before any master under the xodisc.
Harp, For clothes no matter ; I've a mind to botb.
And one thing I like in you ; now that you see
The bonfire of your lady'^B state burnt out.
You give it over, do you not 1
Hir, Let her be hong'd !
Spun, And pox'd 1
Httrp, Why, now you're mine;
Come* let my bosom touch you.
Spun. ^Ve have bu^s^ sir.
Harp* There's money, fetch your clothes home ;
there's for you.
• And t» bear motirv 'o « '"rl tif mj/veM^Htc] Or, m we
ftioald now tmj/'^to a Mt, or purcci qf nwuf*. The word
Oeciirt $o firiHin^Dtly in thi* mum, in onr dd writ«r», ilut il
sactnt «liaQ«l ttmicce*i«ry lo give «oy exftmpl«& of ii :
*• Mere Are i «&ri of poor pctiliooLri,
T1i>l are importanate." Spanith Tragedy,
Apia:
•• Ami, like a tort of trae bora ■cavcafef*,
Scoor IDS ihia fainoiu realm n( eneinki*"
A'nijfht qf (he Burning Pettle.
(TUii word, witb tfimlltr.inctntaK lo thai here tntcmled,
IVeqiieatly occors In JShaktpcarv, «■ " Bui ilivy can i«c a
mtrt orTraiton here."— Rkhnr<l, II.
AkhIh in Richard III. " a «4irf of vafabomii, rsicali,«ji(l
mas way •."—Bo).
t h^fant that pc«vUli hdp
Mmi la d9 teith ifou,] Ptrvi»h ii /otttiah ; tlioi, Irt th»
Marw Winat^f If tnriMr, Mri. Qmekly My»or hi>r rcUjwr-
fcrv«nt, ** HU worn lnoll ii, ili»i he ti sivcu \m pmyer ; he
I* sctrnetliiDg jWeHaA that way." Mr. Mulohc tliitiki ibU to
br vev of itamc Qnkkly'ji bUtmlen. ar»il %h*\ »h« meant to
My prwcim : br»t I ^iilicvc he U itiittiikcn. In Hjfvht
Scarmr, tkc wuni h *ihi1 in ilic very wnta here felven ;
* For Hti I thoJde do BtK-r yimr K^ic
To l« Jirn lo |j»tvr to make me ^cvytm,"
Afain, tu GtrnV* Rirtienyt a^nimt Adnffrry : ** Mhcm^Tn
krpi a mmh-UnA of »ome d^rtj )e«ry old In hi* Jimiimt, who
Indeed w« ki naMrtlly |ww«i«A. «» wot Mllait, hiidly UHy,
eould tn«1c|i \\\in for •biiplicil>."
Hir, Avoid, vermin ! ^ve over our mistivei
DUin cannot prospt^r worse, if he serve the devil.
Harp, Flow ! the devil ! I'll tell joru what tio« «f{
the devil.
He's no such borrid creature ; cloven-footed
Block, saucer-eyed, bis nostrils bresthiiig in^
As these lying- ChrisdoDs mske bim,
hoth. No I
Harp, He's more loving
To nuui, tbsn man to man is*.
Hir, Is be soT Would we two might oonie
icouftinted with himl
Harp, You shall : he's n wondrous good fellow,
loves n cup of wine, s whore, any thiAg ; if jou
huve money, it's ten to one btit 1*11 being lurn M
him.
some tovem to you or other.
^jptuu 111 bespeak the best room in the hoas« kn
Harp* Some people he cannot endure*
Hir, We'll give him no sueb o«iuie.
Harp, He bates a civil liwyer, sb » soldier doe«
pesce.
Spun, How a oommoner t F
Harp, Loves bim &om the teeth outwarcL
Spun. Pray, my lord and prince, let ine encottoter
yoa with one foolish question: does tbe devil eit
any mace in his broth ?
Harp, Exceeding much, when bis bomtng frver
Uke» him ; and tlien he baa the knucklea of a batliff
boiled to his breakfast.
Hir, Tben, my lord, be loves a catcbpole, does be
not?
Harp, As a benrwartl doth a dog. A cstcbpokel
he hath sworn, if ever he dies, to make « aeijeattt Urn
heir, and a yeoman bis oversew.
Spun, How if he come to aay grest man*B gale.
will thf jHirtfr let him come in, sirt
Harp. Oh ! be loves porters of great men** gates^
because tliey are ever so near the wicket,
Hir. Do not they whom be nuikes mucb on, for
nil his stroaking their cheeks, lead beUiab tivif
uoder bim T
Harp, No» no, no, no ; be will be damn'd before
h^ liurTs any msn : do but yon (wdien you ore
throughly ac4]umnted witb him) ask for any thing,
sea if it does not come.
SpfUH* Anything!
ffarp, Cidl for a delicate rare wborei ^e is bnmgilit
you.
Hir, Oh ! my elbow itcbas. W ill tbe devil keep
the door f
Harp, Be dnmk as a beggar, he helps you bome«
Spun, O my fmi* d«tvil! some watcnman, 1 war>
rant ; I wonder who is his constable^
Harp, Will you sweor, roar, siraggcrl be cli|M
you
Hir. How T on tbe chaps T
Harp, No, on the shoulHcr ; and cries, O, Wf
brave boys! Will any of you kill a man ?
Spun, Ves, yes; f, I.
Hiirp, Whu't is bis word? Hang! bmg! \ia
nothings — Or stab a woman ! I
• Han** Hf*§ morv WtH^
To tNtfn, iham trnm to mam it.] Tttoai^h clilt u<
tlliitiou of tbat floe •entimcnt in Jtiveiial, Can
Aonta qwtm MM, may not be aUofeUirr out of r)> <
ihe «pvak(r ; It were to be wiilied it hed Dot been emptoYi-!.
Tti My the Imth, the «hok of thU urvoe, more eapt^TaUy
whit yet rf main* oi H, h «• ro^lUh ii« U it proftiKMe. |
f Span. How a eooioiOBer?] Thjit u a cobuooii lewjftr* |
d
SCENB I.]
THE VIRGIN-MARTYH.
ft
ifrr. Yes, yea; 1,1.
Harp. Here is the worst word he g^res you : A
pox on't, go on !
Hir. O ioTeigling msokl ! — I am rayish'd.
Harp, Go, get your clothes ; torn up your glass
of youth.
And let the sands run merrily ; nor do I care
From what a lavish hand your money flies.
So you give none away to heggan^—
Hir. Hang them !
Harp. And to the scruhbing poor.
Hir. Ill see them hang'd Mt.
Harp, One serrioe you must do ma
Bath. Any thing.
Harp. Your mistress, Dorothea, ere she suffers^
Is to he put to tortures : hare you hearts
To tear her into shrieks, to fetch her soul
Up in the pangs of death, yet not to die ?
Hir. Suppose this she, and that I had no hands,
here's my teeth.
Spun. Suppose this she, and that I had no teeth,
here's my naus.
Hir. But will not you be there, sir? [master
Harp. No, not for hills of diamonds; the grand
Who schools her in the Christian discipline,
Abhors my company : should I be there, [quarrel
You*d think dl hell broke loose, we should so
Ply you this business ; he, her flesh who spares.
Is lost, and in my lore nerer more shares. [Exit.
Spun. Here's a master, you rogue !
Hhr, Sure he cannot choose but have a horrible
number of servants. [Exeunt.
ACT IV
SCENE le^The GoTemor's Paiaee.
AtrroHimjs sick, with Doetort about him ;
SAPRrnus ami Macbinub.
Sap. O joa, that are half gods, lengthen that life
Their deities lend us ; turn o'er all the rolumes
Of jour mysterious ^sculapian science,
T* mcrease the number of this young man's dajB ;
And, for each minute of his time prolong'd,
Your fee shall be a piece of Roman gold
With Cassar's stamp, such as he sends his captains
When in the wars they earn well : do but sare him.
And, as he's half myself, be you sll mine. [hand
DceL What art can do, we promise ; physio's
As q)t is to destroy as to preserre.
If hnren make not the med'cine : all this while,
Our skill hadi combat held with his disease ;
But 'tis so ann'd, and a deep melancholy.
To be such in part with death*, we are in fear
The grave must mock our labours.
Mac I hare been
His keeper in this sickness, with such eyes
As I hare seen my mother watch o'er me ;
And, firom that obserration, sure I And
It b ■ midwife must delirer him.
Sap, Is be with child 1 a midwife f !
Mae. Yes, with chfld ;
And will, I fear, lose life, if by a woman
He is not brought to bed. Stand by his pillow
Some little whue, and in his broken slumners,
Him shall yoa hear ciy out on Dorothea ;
And, when his arms fly open to catch her.
Clodng together, he fells fest asleep.
Pleased with embraoings of her any fonn.
Phyaiciami but torment htm, his disease
Laughs at their gibberish kncuags ; let him hear
The Toiee of DOTOtbea, nay, but the name,
He starta up with high colour in his feoe :
I • Taht amdk impart wUh dmth,] Mr. M. Muon reada,
after (^oseter. To omeh impart with death, and explaiiu it
to mtam - To nch a defrec." I doabt whether he ooder-
Mood Ua own explaiiatloB or not. The genaioe reading,
which I have restored, takei away all difficvlly frotn the
f SapL Is hs wUh child r a nddiw\fe /) The modem
I cditota read, A mddm\fs! is hs wUh chUdf Had they no
ears I
She, or none, cures him; and how that can be.
The princess' strict commsnd, barring that happiness,
To me impossible seems.
Sap. To me it shsll not ;
111 be no subject to the greatest Cesar
Was erer crown'd with Uurel, rather than cease
To be a father. lExit.
Mac. Silence, sir, he wakes.
AtUon. Thoukill'st me, Dorothea; oh, Dorothea!
Mae. She's here : — enjoy her.
Anton. Where? Why do you mock me ?
Age on my head hath stuck no white hairs yet.
Yet I am an old man, a fond doating fool
Upon a woman. I, to buv her beau^,
rtn truth I am bewitch'd,) offer my me,
And she, for my acquaintance, hazards hers ;
Yet, for our equal sufferings none holds out
A hand of pity.
DocU Let faiim hare some music
Anton. Hell on your fiddling!
DocU Take again your bed, sir ;
Sleep is a sovereign physic.
Anton. Take an ass's head, sir :
Confusion on your fooleries, your charms ! —
Thou stinking clyster-pipe, where's the god of rest,
Thy pills and base apothecary drugs
Threaten'd to bring unto me f Out, you impostors !
Quacksalving, cheating mountebanks ! your skill
Is to make sound men sick, and sick men kill.
Mac. Oh, be yourself, dear friend.
Anton. Myself, Macrinus !
How can I be mjrself when I am mangled
Into a thousand pieces ? here moves my head,
But where's my neart? wherever — ^that lies dead.
Re-enter Sapbitxus, dragging in Dorothea by the
hair, Anoelo attending.
Sap. Follow me, thou damn'd sorceress ! call up
thy spirits.
And, if they can, now let them from my hard
Untwine these witching hairs.
Anton. I am that spirit :
Or, if I be not, were you not my fether,
One made of iron should hew that band in pieces.
That so de&ces this sweet monument
Of my love's beauty.
Sap. Art thou sick ?
Atthm^ To ileath.
Sap. Would'it thou recorer !
AnUtfi. VVouldl I lire iu bliss t
Sttp. And do tJiino eyt's eboot dagger* at tliat mtta
Tfant bnngs tbe€ health ?
Antm, It is not ta the world.
Sap, It's h«re.
Anttm* To treasure*, br emchantrnent lock*d
In cBvps &"} de«p DLS b«lU am 1 as oear.
Sap, Brpok thut enchanted care ; enter^ and rifl©
TFiB apoils thy lust hunts after ^ I descend
To a b«lt^B office, and Ixwrotne iliy pander .
In bringing Uiee this proud thing : make her thy
whor©»
Thy bemltlj lies here -, if she deny to give it,
Forc6 it: imagine thou aj^aanlt'st a toirn*s
Weak wall ; to't 'tis tliine own, but beat this down.
Come^ and, unaeen, be witness to tliis battery
How the coy struiupftt yields t.
Doct, Shall the boy stay« sir 7
Sap No matter for the boy : — ^pagei are used
To these odd bauwdy shufflings ; and. indeed, ore
Hiose little young snakes in a fury's heod^
WiM stin^ worse than the great ones.
Let the pimp stay. [Esmnt Sap, Mac* and Doct,
Dear. O, ^nard'me, angels *
What tragedy must begin now T
Anium, When a tiger
I^ops into a timorous lierd, with ravenons jaws,
Beiitg hunger-slarved, whot tragedy tijen l>egius ?
Dijr. Dpaib : I am happy so ; you> hitherto,
Havo siill hud goodness spli«rtHl wuhin your eyes,
Let not that orb be broken |.
Ang. Fear not, mistress ;
If he dare offer violence, we two
Are strong enough for such a sickly man.
Dw, What is yonr horrid ptsrpost*, air ? your eye
Bears danger in It.
Anton, I must
Dor, What!
Sap, Iwiihiiu] 8peak it out.
itnleii. Climb thiit sweet virgin tree.
Sorp* [icitkin.] Plague o' your trees.
Anton. And pluck iliai fruit which none, I think,
e'tar tanted.
Sap. [uithin.] A Motdier, and stund fumbling so*
Dor, Oh, kill me, [ktieeti.
And heaven will tak«i it as a sacrifice;
But, if you ploy the ravisher^ there ta
A bell to swallow you.
Sap, [tritA/n.] Let her swallow the© }
AnUtiu Riae : — for the Roman empire, Dorotliea,
I would not wound thine honour. Plettsures forced
Are unripe apples ; nour, not worUi the plucking :
Yet, let me tell you, *da my fnther'a will.
That I should s«iz« upon you, u my prey ;
• Ant, T0 trwimre, 4c,] Till- U ih« f m^rHlailoo of Mr.
M. Misob, It «p|iear« « lMp[.y «ub«liluliuii for the uM
resdlni;, nblch ww, O trtoMn*, a(t%
M'oMw, oHd.unium, fm tritm-v* to thin bati^rp
N0W th^ my Mtrump€t i/ittd*.] Theft twu lia«
dreiMHl lo M«rriuiiK and ihv ducuvi. M. MaixDO.
1 *«*, htthgrto.
Haw wttUhadgMMimrtx «j«T'd wUkin your *»j^#,
litt not that trrb be krftlwm.l The wt»rtl orb lu tldi kit
tii«? pftivw ih4i »c thonl.) re«l Mpkend tauMMt ^ tpar'd :
. ' ' ' '* wn*wlu» nsh Id M» AuMTiion ; woarrvd,
^ad-
Which I abhor, as mnch as the blaekpst sin
T1]e rillainy of man did ever act*
^SapriUw Irtmki m «r<tfc MmctwM^ I
Ahg. Die happy for this language.
Hap^ Die a slave
A bloclcii-h idiot !
Mac. Dear sir, tux him not, fgddilifs:
Sap, VeSt and rex thee too ; both, I thtnik, are '
Cold, phlegmatic bastard, tbou*rt no brat of mine;
One sperk of me^ when I hod he«t like tliine,
hy thi9 had made a bonRre: a tempting whore.
For whom tlmu*rt mud, tlini.st e^en into thine anna.
And stond'at thou puling! had a taOor aeeo b«r
At tljis jidvuntage. ne, with his erosa capers
Kod rufQed her by this; but thou shalt cone
Thy duHiance*. and here, before her ejree.
Tear thv own flesh in pieces, when a slare
In hot lust batiieH htm»elf, and gluts those pleesxirei
Thy niceness durst not touch. Call out a slare;
You, captain of oar guard, fetch a slave hither.
Anton. What will you do, denr sir? \Umm ^
Slip, Teach her a trade, which many a one would I
In less than hidf on hour, — to play the whore.
Enitf A Slavs.
Mae. A slave is come; what now?
Sap^ Thou hast hones and flesh
Enouph to ply thy labour: from what country
Wert tljoii ta'en prisoner, here to be our alave;
Si/it'*, ffnxm Hritain.
Sap. In the west ocean!
Slave, Yes,
Sap, An island ?
Slaiv, Yea,
Sap. I'm fitted: of all nations
Our Roman swords e'er conquered, QOfM ooaetDMr
'ITiB Briton for true whoring. Sirrah fellow.
What wouJdst thou do to gain thy liberty?
Siam. Do! liberty ! iieht naked wth a lum,
\''eiiture to pluck a standard from the beeit
Of an jirm'd legion. Liberty! lid thus
Bestride a ranipire, and defiance epit
r llie face of death, then, when the battering-Taai
Was fetching his career backward, to paab
Me with his bums in pieces. To shake my cliaifiaof ,
And that I could not do*t but by thy deathy
Stnod'st thou on tliis dry shore, I on a rock
Ten pyramids high, down w^ould I leap to kill tbet.
Or die myself: what is for man to do
I'll venture on, to be no more a slave. [llief
Sap, Tliou sbalt. then, be no slave, for I will asl
I'pon a piece of work is lit for man,
Bmve for n Bnton ; — drag that thing aatde.
And ravish her,
Sluiv, And ravish her ! is this your manly s«fTMe !
A devil aconis to do it ; 'tis for n beast,
A villain, not si man: 1 am at yet.
But half a sbvej but when that work is past,
A dojwnad whole one, a bhick ugly «Uve,
Tlie alnve of all base slaves:— do*t tUvaelf. tt^«.««-
*Tis drudgery fi^for thee, *
Sap, He'» bewitch 'd too:
Bind him. and with b bastinado give lum
Upon his naked belly, two hundred blows*
Slave* Thou art more slave tliiin l.
*' fntt thfm ahitit cunt
7AyilalU*ucfs] L c. ihy l»e»ilMiOB, thy drUy •
Ow.l Juoj ! yo« iw Llik 4amtmtm lo Wuiio
Yuar bftmch of prwnW." V^fm^^Brwwt,
ScdibIL]
THE VIROIN MARTYR.
fS
IXir. That pow«r mipOTiial, on whom wmtM my
Is captain o'er mj chasdty.- [•oui*
Amiom. Good sir, gire o'er :
The more joa wrcmff her, joaraeirs rez'd, the more.
Sap, Plagues light on her and thee ! — dins down
I throw
Thr hariot, tfaos hy the hair nail her to earth.
CaU in ten alaves/let ererj one diaoorer
What Inst desires, and snmtt here his filL '
Call in ten slaTss.
Mat*, They are come sir, at yoor ealL
&ip. Oh,oh! [Fotti
TinJtir Tbiopbilus.
Theofik. Whare is the goyemorl
^Mfon. There's my wretched &ther.
Thmpk. Mj lofd Sapritins— 4ie't not dead!-
Tbat wHch there [lord'
AmUm. Tis no Roman gods oan strike
Tbma& fiBarfnl terrora. O, thon happy maid,
Fomra this wicked purpose of my Either.
Ar. I do.
Tkaaph, Gone, gone ; he's peppered. It is thon
Umat done' this act infernal.
]l>ar. Uearen pardon you I
And if my wrongs from thence puU yenge an ce down,
/I can no mirage work) jret, from my aoul,
Prmy to those powers I serre, he msj recorer.
neoph. He stirs— help, raise him up, — my lord !
Sap. Where am It
Theaph. One cheek is hkated.
Sap, BhMted! whore's the lamia t
Xfaat tears n^ entrails? I'mhewitch'd; seiieonher.
J}ar. I'm nere; do what you please.
Tftstfpfc. Spurn her to the bar. [we are.
Dor, Come, boy, being there, more near to hearen
Sapm Kick harder; go out witch! lExewnL
Anton, O bloody hangmen f Thine own gods gire
thee breath!
Each of thy tortures in my seyeral death. lExit
SCENE IL— ii PuhUa Sfuan.
Eater HAAPAXr HiacnTs, and Spwoius.
Harp, Doyoulikemy seryieenowlsay, amnoti
A master worth attendance T
Spnn, Attendance! I had rather lick dean the
■olea <»f yoor dirty boots, than wear the richest suit
of any infected lora, whose rotten life hangs between
tbe twopolee,
Hir, A lord's suit! I would not gire up the doak
of joor service, to meet the spliyfbot estate of any
left-eyed knight abore the antipodes; because they
■re nnlucW to meet.
Harp, Ijus dsf 111 try your loyes to me ; 'tisonly
But well to use the sgihty of your arms
Spun, Or legs, I am lusty st them.
Hir, Or any other member that has no legs.
Spmi, Thonlt run into some hole.
Hhr, If I meet one that's more than my match,
end that I cannot stand in their hands, I must and
will creep on my knees. [me,
I Harp, Hear me, my little team of yiUians, hear
I cannot teach yon fencing with these cudgels,
, fte.1 The old copiet give this
lidwcTer, to palpftbl« u error, that
have in6wtaced
* Mac. Thagan emm,
■ p cc c h to Asttlo : It te, lio^
tbc eacadedoa which I
^%E!aim,Ua.
Yet you must use them ; lay them on but soundly ;
That's aU.
Hir, Nay, if we codm to mauling once, pah !
Span, But what walnut-tree is it we must beat ?
Harp, Your mistress.
Hir, How! my mistress) I begin to hare a
Christian's heart made of sweet butter, I melt ; I
cannot strike a woman.
Spun, Nor I, unless she scratch ; bum my mis-
trees !
Harp, You're coxcombs, silly snimals.
Hir, What's that t [thrust
Harp, Drones, ssses, blinded moles, that dare not
Your arms out to catch fortune ; say, you fidl off.
It must be done. You are conrerted rascals.
And, that once sproad abroad, why every alave
Will kick you, call you motley Christians,
And half-4ced Chnsdsns.
Spun, The guts of my oo n science begin to be of
whitleather.
Hir, I doubt me, I shsll haye no sweet butter in
me. [meet.
Harp, Deny this, and each pagan* idiom you
Shall forked nngera thrust into your eye»»
tiir. If we be cuckolds. [to^
Harp, Do this, and every god the Gentiles bow
Shall add a fiithom to your Ime otjmn.
Spun, A hundred &thom, I desire no more.
Hir, I desire but one inch longer.
Harp, The senaton will, as you pass alone.
Clap you upon jorxr shoulden with this hand.
And with ttiis give you gold : when you are dead,
Happy that man sludl be, can set a nail.
The paring, — nay, the dht under the n^,
Of any of you both, to say, this dirt
fielong'd to Spuoffius or Uircius.
Spun, They shul not want dirt under my nails, I
will keep them long of purpose, for now my lingers
itch to be at her.
Hir, The first thing I do, 111 take her oyer the
lips.
Spun, And I the hips,^-we may strike any wherel
Harp, Yes, any where.
Hir, Then I know where 111 hit her.
Harp, Prosper, and be mine own; stand by, I
must not
To see this done, great business calls me hence :
He's made can make her curse his violence. [£rit
Spun, Fear it not, sir ; her ribs shall be basted.
Hir, 111 come upon her with rounce, robble-hob-
ble, and thwick-thwack thiriery bouncing.
Enter Dorothia, kd priaoner; Sapiutius, Theophi-
LU8, Anoelo, and a Hangtnan, who tett up a Pillar ;
SAPRrnus and Theophilus iit; Anoslo tUtud* by
Dorothia. A Guard attending.
Sap, According to our Roman customs, bind that
Christian to a pillar.
Theoph, Infernal Furies,
Could they into my hand thrust all their whips
To tear thy flesh, thy soul, 'tis not a torture
Fit to the vengeance I should heap on thee.
For wrongs done me ; me ! for flagitious iikcts.
By thee £me to our gods : yet, so it stand
To great Cesarea's governor's high pleasure,
Bow but thy knee to Jupiter, and offiar
• and etch jm^km.] So the flrtt two qnartoe, the
lait readt Mwry .• which, as It man the vene, to followed by
ra ediion. [ Omitted in Edit. 18lt.]— £d.
Any slig-ht nicrfAee» or do but swear
By Cicsar'si fortune, und be free.
Sap. Thou sbnlt.
Dor. Nut for all Ccskt'b fortune, wfra it chiiin*d
To more worlds tbau are kin^omfi iu the world.
And all tlios« world § drevi,*n nfter him. I defy
\'o«f hBn^^Tlen ; you now show me wbillier to fly.
Sap, Are her tormentors ready I
i4n^. Shrink not, denr mistrsu*
.Spun aftd Hir* My lord, we are reody for the
business,
Ditr. You two ! whom I like fostered children fed,
And lengthen 'd out your aturred life with hread :
You be my hangmen ! whom, when up the ladder
Z>eath haled you lo he stnmgled, I fetdi'd down,
Clothed you, and wann'd you, you two my tormen-
Both, Yes, we, [tore !
Dtfr. Divine Powera pardon you* I
Sap, Strike.
[TAey ttrike ai Iwr. Anoelo kneeling kelda kerfast^
Thtdph, Bent out her liniina.
Dar, Receive me. you bright angels !
Sap, Faster, aliivea.
Spun. Fuster I I flm out of breath, I am sure ; if 1
were to beat a buck ft I can alrike no harder.
If It. O mine arma ! I cannot lift them to my he«d.
Dfvr, Joy above joya ! are my tormentora weary
In tor tump me, and, in ray suflerings,
I fain tin )^ in do limb ! tyrants, strike borne,
And feast your fury fulU
Thtophm These dogs are curs,
[Comes from hti seat.
Which snarl, yet bite not. 8ee, my lord, her face
Has more bewitching beauty than before :
Proud whoro, it amtlefl 1 1 cannot an eye a^irt out
With these!
Hir, No, sir, nor the bridge of her nose hU ; *tia
full of iron work, [feit
Sop. Let*s view the cudgels, are th«y not counter-
Jng, There fix thine eye ali)l;-^tby glorious
crown rou«it come
Not from soft pleasure, but by martyrtlom.
There fix thiiie fye atill ; — wlu'n wi* neit do meet,
Not thorn a, but roaes* ahull bear up thy feet :
There fix thin© ey« still, [£jrit.
Enter Hah pax tntakitig.
Dor* Ever, ever, over 1
TkM/ph^ We're mock'd ; theae b*t» have power to
foil down gianta,
Yet her skin ia not scarred.
Sttp. What ro^es are theae ?
Thmph. Cannot theae force a aliriek T
[Bmt9 SptingiuM,
Spun, Oh! a woman haa one of my riba, and now
five more are broken.
Thttfph^ Cannot tbia make iter nmr f
[Hisiti Hrrcim ; ht roaru
Sap. Who hired theae ahivea I what are they ?
Dor. Divinr Pmirrt pardmt \xm] I know ftot wbctber
hvtniidvertaiici'cir tlpairi} ; biil M. M««(Mt, In (ippotitiuii Hj
ill thr eiliiioni, rvmtU, IJiriiw Potofr^ parivmtnel
f // / ttvrrr to beat a tMick. / oxn ttrik* m» Aumifr.] To
^tri- I. .»...--. -.J*, ♦♦ i$ to winh clnthr*.** ThU ti tut «
J"' n of iUc temi ; lo j^woA h tn w#«!> cl*^l34<<> b>
*") * »inooth itonr, and iK'niing tJneni wiib a
iKJik i.niivi.'u ,ii the eivU
1 frmid tfihoTf, it mntli^ f] So fhc «*fJ rooJw ; ilw modern
•mioirareM), «hr mftilt$. In «vcrj p«gv, iu4 utmost iit rvrrj-
■pvadi, I Mvf hMj lu rvimnn: tkcav liu^aary lra|in>v«in«ate
ortkc lailior'tplitaicolAgy. '
Spvn. We aerve that noble gentlanran*
emticetl us to this dry beating : oh ! for a
Harp, Mj serrasta ! two bato ro^ea, ami I
timeserranta
To her, and for that cause forbear to burt her.
Sap* Unbind hpr, hang up iheae.
Theoph, Hang tlie two hounds on tb^nezt In
//tr. Hang us! master Harpax, wbat a detikl
shall we be thus used ? [a wol
Harp. What bandogs but you two would Wi
Your mistress ? I but clapt yxju, you fiew on*
Say I should get your livee, each rascal beggar
Would, when he met you, cry out Hdl-hotrndi! I
traitors !
Sjiit at you, fling dirt at you; and no woman
Ever endure your sight : 'tis your best couraa
Now, hnd you secret knives, to stab yoursalras;
But, since you have not, go and be lumg'd.
Hir* I thank you.
/ftirp. Tia your best course.
Thetff^ Why atay they trifling here ?
To fh' gallows drag tliem by the heels ; — awmy*
Smm, By the heels I no, air, we hav^e lega to do I
us that service.
//<>. Ay, ay, if no woman can endure my «fk, I
away with me.
ihrp, DiKptttch them.
Spuih 111*? dpvil dispatch thee 1
[Eifuni Guard iritk Spunj^Ht and HfrfiaL j
Sap. Death this day rides in triumph, Tbeopluliic
See thia witch mode away toa
Thfoph, My Houl thirsts for it.
Comt*, 1 mvself tin* hangman^s part could play*
Dor, O fm:<}tt* me to my conouatioa day {
SCENE lilt*— T^ P(^c« ef ^^cutimu A ttmghU,
blitckt j^c.
Enter Aktokikvb, liAOLomB, and BntWDtm
Anton, la this tho place where virtue ia tomiflir»
And heflvenlv beauty leaving tliia base e«rtb,
To make a glad return from whence it came 7
Is it, Macrinus?
Mac, IJy this preparation,
You well may rest assured that Dorothea
Thia hour ia to die hi«re.
AnUm, Then widi her dies
Tim (ibi»tract of all sweetness that*s in womim !
Set me down, friend, that» ere the iron hand
Of death close up mioe eyes^ they may at ooee
Take my last leave both of this bgbt and her:
For, Mhe being gone, the glorious aun himaelf
To me's Cimmerian darkness.
Mac, Strange a€eGtion| !
* Spun. n« Nrrv« thai nohlt ffmttmmm, «tc] J^U l*«t
lectjofl of the firsii qnartu. The ruwlrrti etUtuni foUow iIm
otht'Ts, whkti incf»rrt.ctJy read, W c atrv'd, &c*
f Prufn lieticL-, ttt \hv ronrla«i*Mi ot ihe 4Ct, T rrcOfpdM
Ibe liABd of M«i#lni!er. Tli?rv mny br (■ad pmlNiM; snel
fiaer psissgei lo our dramftUc poet», but I am uot ac<|aalHled
mi Lb them.
t Mac. Strange affiictitm T
Vupid once more hath changtd hheh*iffM trilA. IhnotKt
And kilt*, iiulhnd ^sfivtnjf lift.] Tliio in « m.^ b»nCl-
fal Allu»ioD to a liltie po«'m nmonK Ihr ICie^/ira <af Jir^attdma.
Ciiplrl fliir) Di-nlb unUtf in llu ctrrtrm-rioD uf « luver, nniX in
riKlciiYtmriiii; to recover lltt-lr wmpcitt* fmrtt Ibe boi1)p tsi(
Ihr vi dim, commit a mutual inil«lJiki'tt'Jkch plockinf Aut the
** «fmn*" *'t ihc oihcr. Tli« coaBequi-acci of thi» trc prtii
IlI>' dc*cjr|bvr| :
Miuia p«regrln«f tparsiinter VII Inert nrrvb,
ht inatias igootu ticvii utricititic maU>*
ur.j
THE VIRGIN -MARTYR,
i1
iloIU.
i
i bfttli «h&agficl UU ihftfU vritli Death,
id of g:iviiig hh*
jlfiCHk N>jr, wtwp not ;
Tlioia^ tpon of frieiiiU1ii|i \m ■ toyemgn balm.
On m» ibtj'w cut twvjr. It U decrpcNT
Tliat I mist ill* with li«r i our clue of life
Mmc. Ywt, air, *ti« ray wonder,
TMt voii, who, hearing only whnt tthe suffers,
Psrtu« of tU her toiturra, yet will be.
To tM to four cmlamitj, on eyewita<;s9
Of b«r bst tTSfk seoaiT, wbidi must juerce deeper*,
Aftd »ik« th* wound mor* doapente.
Amtam* Ob« Macnnui!
T would tinier out my tfirmeotA eUo, not kill me,
WLich u the end I uim at : being to die too,
Wbml instniment more ^loriotu eon I wish for,
Tban wfast »• mtdrn sbvp bj my constant love
Aod era* ■fl^Ktion ? It mar be, the duty
And loyal service, with which I {tur«i]ed her,
And iH«]'d it with my death, will be remember'd
Amumi^ ber bleseed mctioaa j and what honour
Can I deatn btfjood it !
EiUrr a Gward, brimgmg in DoxomttLA, a ffmdtman
htfare ker ; foUowtd fry TB£OFHtLVS» SAPmrriuA,
Bee* aba oomes ;
How vwaat bcEr innooaiee ■ppearsl mora like
To hcftvcii ttnlf* than any Ncrifioe
Hbm OB be ofer'd to it. By my hopea
Of joys beraiAer, the aigbt makes me doubtful
In BJ belief; nor can I think our godn
Aro Mod, or to be aenred, that Uke delight
l« mbrip^ of this kind ; that, to maintntn
TWr power* dtlaoe tba master-piece of nntare,
Wbieb IImj themaelrea come abort of. She ascendSj
And evctr etep imiaea ber nearer heav^en.
Wbet goQ aoe er tlwu art, that must enjoy her,
IWoeire ta bar a boundlesa happiDess !
Sap, You are to blame
To tctc him come abrtnd.
Mac, It was his will;
And w« wefN left to aerre him, not command him.
Amian, Good sir, be not oJKsnded ; nor deny
Mr laaC of jpleaaurea in this happy object,
Tbet I ahtU aVr be blost with,
TktBfL Kow, proud contemner
Of M» nd of our gods, tremble to think
It ii O0t fai the Power tbou serr'st to tare thee.
Kot att iha rielue of the aea, moreased
llr rinhit thlpwrfeka. Tif>r tbf« tiasearcb'd mines
/MMnMMi*i anknowf ^\ (dioll redeem tb^.
Aoit^ tlwrafore» harir ' horror weigh 'd
WImI *tia 10 die, ami v-; u> part with
An fJ— arw and drl s, togo
Wltfn an anttpc^ye^ ^ dwells
Furitv bwbtod, about thoe, and balbfe tbee^
A»cl. to ifld trt sfPltriimi, the remembnuiee
1-1 d«miui,
I 'se maud* ;
a-
Hie Aibl^
)'<^n Mgitui,
iite]t|iie ouviun.
ktM w i^rnn '.'I T y...,. ^.. McirarvU In irr iitfi ;
Kz mo m^*€r^n lul dinlil iJlr Heel, Lib, tt. Etcf. «.
«*Jli4M MMtfl plirrer ilri'per.lj Su tbr 6ii»l c<litiout.
fflMfto l<Mll, ir««il<, la d«a«a««or intire.— wtLkJi mMl
ii»y^ pitrfv, aad It fbllowcil by CoMrlrr awl M.
Of the Elysian jova thou mighl*it have tasted,
I fadst thou not tuni'd apoatnta* to tlioie goda
That io reward th«ir ^erirants ; let despair
Prerent the hangman's sword and on this scaffold
Make ihy first entrance into hell.
Ant(m. She fmiles
IFnmoved, by Mars! sa if she were asaored
Death, loobng on her constancy, would forget
The use of his inevitable hand.
Th*oph* Derided too f disputcb, I say.
Dor, Thou fool !
That gloriest in hadng power to rariafa
A trifle from me I am weary of:
HTiBt is this life to me^ not worth a thought}
Or, if it be esteem'd, *ti» that I lose it
To win a belter : eri*n thy maltoe aerrea
To me but as a ladder to mount up
To such a height of happiness, where I shall
Look down with scorn on thee, and on the world ;
Where, circled with true pleasures, pbused aboro
Th© reach of deatb or time, 'twill be my ^ory
To think at what an easy price I bought »t.
There*! a perpetual spring, perpetual youth .
No joiQt-benumbing cold, or scorching heat,
Famine, nor age, haref any being there.
Forget, for shame, your lempo; bury in
Obhrion your feign'd Hesperian orcfmrda:-— >
The golden fmit, kept by ll»e watchful dragon,
WTiich did require a Hercules to Ejeti it,
Carapared with what grows in all plenty ther?.
Desen-es not to be named, TIjg Power 1 serve,
Laughs at your happy Araby, or the
Klyiiiiin ahades, for he linth made his bowers
Better in th^etl, llitin you can fancy yours.
Anian, U, take me thither with you S
Dcrr, Trace my steps.
And he assured you shall.
Sap, With my own bands
lUl mtber stop that little breeCb is left cbee.
And rob thy killing ferer.
Theaph, By no means i
Let him go with ber : do, seduced young mnn
And wait upon thy saint in death ; do, do :
And, when you come to that imagined place.
That place of all delights — ^pray you, obserre me,
And meet those curbed things 1 once called Daugbtoi^
Whom I have sent as harbingen before you ;
* Madtt them mat turn'd apoMats t» ik^am ffoda.] Oar old
wriiprt nsnally mM, apaafaM, tfAftta, Ac. whvrv wc now
uy, ape^tttit, atatfit, Htaia^er't ciWUtrt, howevf r, «vIki
wt.'r« igDonuit alike of bb IrnDKiixgc aod tibat of hU crjatcrn-
porartc«, reaolufrJy p«niit In madtmitiag him tiptta all oc-
caaiuoi: tliey md, avoafdle /
f luTc amg M>9ff tkart,] Here af ain, the mutlrnt
editors follow thv mbcnblc qaarlo of IQOI, twi taineiy
read-lu*lBf «» *elii» |A<T*.— lW»ni"wJ litecJiL 1813.]
: tVhieh did rv^lrw a Ilrrcttlet to fei it.\ The inudern
cdltiirv nrad, f<» g«ard it. Thi« {IvvijUiixi from ihc 'jJdcopiea
U at Ih^^ txjwnw; of »etHM?. It was ihe ■Irae'Lvn wbikh jrvmM
It: lite obji'ct of Hemile» wai t& i/nt it. hi alinoit every
•pcptb MtfKBknevr ii Ihua injared by carcksMiis* <*r ieiao-
r4ncc. Ir i» tht more liti<]icn»ablc bcr«, *• Ibc very •nme
cxiirtfiilMM I* *•» b« founA \u ths Emperor (^fffw Etut,
Thi« btTAMilful d«*criptia«i t4 ElyBianip a« Mr, Gilchrift
ul>*crve» Iti mv, lias been imitatrd by Nabbct, In Uiat very
pH'tic Hii,i|wocl/, MicrwroratM: taam uf lh« lunri may be
j^ivrn ■'.
** CoW there roinpela da um of ra^%^ ftart,
Nor m4k<-« iKr niMiBtslns 1»an«B ; tbatv'aao doa
To ra«r, and Moivh ilM Und. Sprlsf '• alwiyi there,
And paiDit the ralkyA : whilat a towpcnrc %\w
Sweept Ibilr vnibfxiklvr'd faca wtlli blf caH'd |a^
And bccatbe* p^rfmnn :— ibcrc wti^i dota iMveT tpttaA
H«r eboo *la?» : bot day II Rht'v always '*i«rc.
Jtiid eae liU*l •caaoa cronrtu tb« clrrnal )rvr/'
f6
THE VraOIN^ARTVR-
[AfT U\\
I r there be any traih in your religttm,
111 thiuikfulness to me, that with caro hasten
Your journey thithor, pray you send me some
Smnll pitlamce of that cunouA fruit you boast of.
AnUfn. Gnuit that I may ^o with her, and I will.
S<ip. Wilt thou in tliy last mioute doom thy self?
Theopk. Th^ ^lea to hell are open.
Dor, Know^ tiiou tyrant,
Tht>u ngent for the devil, tliy great master.
Though ihou art moat unworthy to taate of it,
I eon, md wilL
Enter Anoelo, in tht AngePM habit. '^
Uarp, Oh ! mountains f»ll upon ine»
Or hide me in the bottom of the doepp
Where light may never find niel
Tkmph. \\Tiat's Uie matter?
Sap, This ia prodipious» and confimu her witcli-
Thetjph. Harpftx, my IJAr|jax,8peak! [craft.
Uarp. I dare not slay ;
Should I but bear her once more, X were lost
^ome whirlwind snatch me from tliia curaed place,
To which compared (and with what 1 now Buffer),
Ilell'a torments are aweet slumbers! \Exti,
Sap. FoHow him,
Throph. lie h diatmcted, and I muAt not lose him.
Thy charms upon my aervant, cursed witch,
tiive tJiee a abort reprieve. Let h^r not die
Till my return, [Eieunt Sap, and TheapL
AnUm* Sb« minds him not: what object
fa her eye fiz'd on ?
Mac. I aee nothing.
AntoH. Markber.
Dor, ThoQ glorious minister of the Power I lerve
iFor thou art more than mortal), ia*t for me,
'oor Biooer, thou art pleaseti awhile to lenvo
Tby heavenly habitation, and vouchitafiBilj
Though glorified, to take my aeriraut's LjJ>it! — -
For, put off thy diTinity, po looked
My lovely Ang-elo.
Ang. Know, I am the same ;
And atill tlie servant to your piety*
Vour zealous prayers, and pious deeds first won me
(6ut 'tvtaa hy His command to whom you »ent
To guide your steps. I tried your charity, [them.
When in a beggar a ahane you took me up,
And clothed my naked limbs, and afkfi fed,
As you believed, my famiiihM mouth. Learu all,
Hy v<)ur example, to look on the poor
With gentle eyes! for in such hebits, often.
Angels desire an alms t* I never lelt you.
Nor will I now ; for I am seut to cwrry
Vour pure and innonr'ent soul to joys eternal,
Your raftrtvrdom once sufier'd ; and belbre it,
Aak any thing from me, and rest asaured,
Vo4i ali&U obtain it.
• EMi^ Xtiauijo in the AtujeVt hnbll, arc] II Appcan ilmi
4Be^to ^up ti«t mtnul lo Im; *Hp<;n or htsnt tij^ any *if flic
(H'Mjil^^ nn-sf'iit, but U^irotlie^, In the Inveumry ui ilw L<»nl
Atlmtiitr* pni|Nirtl<», jivtri by Mr MalMni J«i^ *' a rw.bc fur
lo cue in\ uHxU." tt wai |)rub^bly uf n \\%h\ %aMty lca.lur«!,
iiKl AfliHTflcrl j« Hiiflicirni bmt lu utir e<*cid n«urcU afu»iton,
not lo ice ib« chftfuclcr liivu»lct1 with il.
f I„enm nit*
Bit MP*^ eJFamtfte In look tm the poor
WUh gmtfe tfVft / for in auch kabit*. q/tm,
AnytU d^T* an a/MM.] '* Re not rnrgrrfal to rnti'rtafn
ftraocer*; for ihrrrby »c*iii4^ have rntcrlainco nni^fls nn-
awvfS." Hcb. c. \lli. r. % Hcrv \% »!»> ji i>t<itti(kriil aJlaikon
10 Ilw piirt}ii{ apcccb of Ittc " mciabli.* archaogel ** lo Tuttit
I D^. I am UiKgely paid
For alt my torments i since I find sucb ^t«ci%
Grant that the love of tbis young man to mr,
In which he langnisbeth Co death, may be
Chan^e<l to the love of heaven.
A fig, I will p#«rform it ;
And in tbiit inntant whrn the swnrtl seta free
Your happy soul, hiA shall have Ubertf.
ts there aught else !
[kir. For proof that I forgive
My persecutor, who in scorn desired
To taste of that most sacred fruit I go U» ;
Afbr my death, as seut from me, be pJeasad
To give him of it.
Ang, Willingly, dfliar mistiesi*
Mac. I nm amaaed.
AnUtn, I feel a holy fire,
That yields a comfortable heat within me;
] am ouite alter'd from the thing I was,
8ee ! 1 can stand, and go alone; tlius kneel
To , heavenly Dorothea, touch her hand
With a religious kiss. [ITaMilii^.
Rg-enttr SApamf a and TiiEOPStLua*
Sap, He ta well now,
But will not be drawn baclc
Theflph. It matters not,
Wv can discharge this work witboat bis help.
But see your sou.
Snp, \ illain !
Anton, Sir, I beaeecb you.
Being so near our ends, diroroe us not,
Thfopk, Vl\ quickly make a separation of then :
Host thou atigbt else to say ?
Dor. Nothing, but to blanie
Tby tardine^ in n^ndine me to reet ;
My peace is made with heaven, to which my anal
iWgma to take her flight : strike, O ! strike qutnUy ,
And, though yuu are unmoved to see my deutb.
Hereafter, when my story shall he read,
As thpy were present now, the hearers shall
B&y this of Dorothea, with wet eyes.
She lived a vij^in, and a virgin (lies.
[Her heiui §trufk 9f*
Anton, O, take my soul nlong, to wait on tbine \
Mac, Your son sinks too {^ATiLmiwu tmk^
Sap, Already dead I
Tkfoph, Die all
nint are, or favour tbia accuraed • sect :
1 trinrnjih in their ende. and will raise up
A hill of ilieir dead carcasses, to o erlook
The PyTenean billg, bwt 111 root out
These au{>er<ititious fools, and leeve the world
No name of Chriatiaa.
[Loud music: Exit Angela, hmmig fint Utid hit
hand upon die motuht*^' Anton, mtd Dvr,
Sap, Ha! heavenly music !
Maf, 'Tia in the air.
Thtifpk, Illusions of the devil.
Wrought by some witch of her religion,
Thni fam would make her death a miracle:
It frights not mu. Because he is your soo^
Let him have bunal, but let ber body
Be cast forth with eanlempt in some highway.
And be to vultures and to dogs a prey. lEgtumU
* 7*hut tire, m- fmnmr this accurwd met :} So tli« old
copici: ilie ntcMirm cdlton, to lutapr the text lo fheir own
U\e»» of wccumcytrtna: 7%jt art M, or favour, Ac. h*i
then? |« (h. nf Ft* uf attrratiitn ; iht« im-wle tti e^pret«u>D rrean
prrpetiially ; add loo, iliat (Jiv inlvfuoUlton destroya Iks
metre, ' ^
I J
THE llRGIN-MARTVIt
f?
ACT V.
I
i
i
I SCENE 1, — TstOPBiLv^ di$eoiifrediHhiiStudif: booki
o&mit Aim.
Tlioyk r«t bolid^, O Csiar. thiit ihy senruil,
Thf pTOfiMt, to 9t% «x«eution dona
On MM liM Clmaliuit in Cssorea,
Sbovld DOW want work ? Sleep these idolaters,
Thai ocoe tre stirriiig? — A* 9. cimoii« painter,
When he has nMde some honourable piece,
StaocLa off, sod wish a aearching^ eye examines
Each colour bow 'tis sweetenM : and then hu^
Hxmaelf for bis nire worlrtntinHihip — so hen
Will I Dj drollenes, and Moody limd^capea.
Lav p>st wrapt up, unfold, to make me naenj
Wioi ahadowi, now I w jint the subetanoes.
My SBBJier-book of hetl-hounds. Were the Christians,
Wboi* names stand beie, alire and arm'd, not Rome
Coold more upon Ler hinges. What IVe done.
Or ahdl heraner^ is not out of hate
To ooor tonMDt«d wretches *; no, I'm carried
With riolaiioe of aeal, and streams of serrice
I owa our Romaii ^ods. Great llritain, — whatt ?
[reads.
A thmtmnd inm, vith brvtt tuckiftg their breaits,
Had hat iram pinch th^n off, and thrtntfi to ticitu :
And Aok thtirjUahif back-parti^ htw'd with hutchrU,
Wtn mimctd, and baked in pies, to feed ttarved
ChriHmttM,
Haf-.b>f
AgaiA, again, — East Angeles,— oh. East Angles :
Bmmdlagti^ kepi lAnv tLtvi huttf^y^ worried
A ihaummd BritiA rusaiit, ttied up fat
€ffmrpem, 9tnpf€d maktd^ and ditarm'd,
I coold oatatsTB a jtur of bqqb and moons,
To ait at theaa sweet bull-baitings, so I
Cooid therebj bat one Christian win to Mt
la adontktt to my Japitcr. — Tutlpe hnndrrd
J&pn kmwi with ^tugra 0Nt-^h! etrt^n tlwuMtnd
7«n» hjf wtU toasts: two kmtdrml ramm'tl in the ettrlh
To L^dmipiCa, andfuil ptattert round abmtt them^
But far tfmtgk for rmehingx : Eat, doga, ha ! ha !
ha I [H* rites,
Tttsh. an these tortarea are but fillipingSt
fflaa httJB ga i I, before the Destinies
Catrr Ajigilo mlh a haiUtfUtd vith fruit and
fhiL<er§,
My ^wttcm did wind up, would flesh myself
Cma autre npon some one remarkable
• i9 mot omi ^f hate
' vntfrAci, ice. \ Tkit ix nld lo di«iiociil*li
tnma iluf ofSKpriHaf , iib<M« eeal i* lodacncMl
kj wmtawtm of inirrtst, wad by miny other coatkdentUHn,
waieh sppeur lo wcLieIi notliiti| wllh Tlitr^iiHlla.i.
* Great MwHaimf—ttk^ f] Great Briulii, it s curion*
tmmekevmimn hmth^ QW old dniLinaUc wrilerf were Hlllc
lollrliMW IB sv«iM. Tbe reader wanu not my usUtaoirc to
dlwaivT«r tkat thl« rvfgrd nmnitkc \* by Decker : Ituf borrible
itKm ur r«rt», !■ laJtitD frtim iht hitturlei of Hwi*
Jiify in
thai
xi^t a%r i <h(u Ftctcbcr :
; Bmi/kf mem g h tw r<iofhim0 ] For ocmn pcrpetttn
tkm» fisyt* la (Iw •mie id frr^oenHomt jrct the niodern
lye*^'
- /or Uklof coUl."
" Wit ast f«n mt,
HaidintheMilL
Above all these* This Christian slut was well,
A pretty one \ but let nucb horror follow
The next I feed with torments, that when Rome
Shall hear it, her foundation at the sound
May feel an earthquake, ifow now f [>U(i»Mr.
Ang, Are you amazed, sir?
So jin'ett a Roman spirit — and dotli it tremble* !
Theoph, How cam'st tbo\j to ? to whom thy busi-
nessp
Ang* To you r
1 had a mistress, late sent hence by yon
ll^pon a bloody ermnd ; yoo entreated,
Tnut, when she came into that blessed grarden
WhtCher aha knew sb« went, and wher*!, now hiippy,
She feeds upon all joy, she would at^ad to you
Some of that garden mut and flowers ; which here^
To buv-e her promise sarediare brought by me«
Theoph, Cannot 1 see this garden \
Ang. Yes, if the master
Will i^re you entrance? [Hs mnithth*
Theiyph. 'Tis a tempting frtiit.
And the most bright-cheeked child I ever view*d ;
Sweet smelUng, goodly frnit, What flowers £ire
these \
In Dioctesion's gardens ; the most beauteous,
Compared with tbese, nre weeds: is it not February.
The BHcond day she died ? frost, ice, and snow,
Ilfing on the beard of winter : where's the sTin
Til Lit gihls thi» summer? pretty, sweet boy, say,
In what country shall a man Bml this gnrden ! —
My delicate boy* — gone \ Farii!»bed ! witliin there,
Jtuianus ! Geta!-^
Enter Jvliants and Geta.
Both, My lord.
Theoph, Are my gates shut '.
Geta. And gu^ed.
Theoph^ Saw you not
Ahoy?
JuL Where?
Theoph, Here he entered j a younjf bd ',
A thousand blessings danced upon liis eyes,
A smoothfaced, glorious thing, that brought tlijs
basket*.
Gi^a. No, sir !
Thetfph, Away — but be in reach, if my voice calla
you. [Ejeunt,
No ! — vanished, and not seen ! — Be thou a spirit
Sent from that witch to mock me, I am sure
This is essential, and, bow e'er it grows,
Will taste it. [EatM.
Harp, [within*^ Ha, ha, ha, ha !
Theof^, So good ! 1 '11 hare soma more, sure*
Now I jmon the »utaji^ct,l«t me ubwrve, that » ■Ifnllaral'
n.-'raUon h4i been anneceMarily made In i^eridoa, Tbe oM
rcadinf^ \s,
" And witli de«d cbeekn uh tie thet lo detlit.
For g«4ii« oti dcAih'n tict, wbich iKMie rwtot."
" Tills is corrupt/' uya ibe editor, " I ihlnk it tIbOQkl be
frmtt goii)^," aod fa he hu printed U ; pUce a comma ■Iter
dt'gitl, 4ml all wiU be rigbt: ** for fotJil," I. t,/brfear of
^MiniE, Ac.
• Theciph. ffrre he entered : See.] Il may give the re>ft«r
tome IdeJi of the metrical vkill wlih wbicb Mawlttf^pr bas
beea hiihc-rt» treated, to priot tbcte liaea ai they stand io
Coxetrr aiid M* Mji»uf} ;
T1ir<ipU. /M-# he entrt^dt a yomng tad ; a thoutand
Blc9»\n^» donv'4 upon hioo^oo ; • tmooth/uC*4 gtoriouo
Thi»^, thai brtrnffht tkia I * '
THE VIRGIN-MARTYR.
[ActT]
Ilnrp. Hh. h%, tin, l»ii ! gft*at lii|UomJi fool.
Tlmfpk, Whul on thou !
flnrp, A fishtfniifln.
Ttu^pk^ What d(>:il thou cateh 1
/iaf7>. Souls, souls ) a fi^ili c«UM soola.
TWph. Getot
£fitor GcTA.
Ceta. My lord.
/ftfrp. [u>it/tin.] Ha, ha, ha, lift !
Theaph, What inaoleiit slave is tbiA, daree laugh
Or what i*'t th* dog ^oa at so I [iit iup ?
Geta, I neither know, my lord, at what, nor whom ?
for there U none without, but my iVUow Juhoauaj
and he is making a garland for Jupiter.
Thefph, Jupiter ! all within me is not well ;
And yet not bicIl.
ffiiTp. Ha, hn, ha, ha t
Theapk. What 'ft tlij name» ftlarel
Harp, [at one etuL] Go look.
(ifta, 'lis Harpax* voice.
Thrtiph. Harpax ! go, drag tlie caitiff to my foot,
That 1 may Htamp upon him.
Harp, [ut the oOter end.] Fool, ihon lieat 1
Getft. lie's yondpr, now, my lord.
Tbeii]fh. Wntch iJiou that end,
Whilst I make good this.
Harp, lift tlie mitldte.] Ha^ hn, ha, ha, ha !
Thtifph. He ia at barley-break, and the last couple
Are now in hfU.^ [isblo4Kly,
8earcb for him, [ Kiit Geta.^ All thia ground, raetbinkei,
And paired with tliouaanda of those Christiaiis* ey«8
Whom I havB tortured, and they stare upon me.
What was this apparition ? sure it had
• Theaph. He i§ at barley break, ^nnd the toMt titvpttt
Are mnp in belL] L e. In Itic middte ; allnidlu^ tu the
•l(o«tloii of Harp^x. Thia wrtrehed c^if^y ur a \«rttilivtl
«dKin«li tlie hie et ubiqne of the Olioft in Hamlet^ is niucli
Mm uncrile for the ocra'lon, tnd the chtrncltir t^dttt'ipit cjr-
tfrnplAr viliiM itnitabile. Wlib rc«p«ct tw ihv ■muMoieDt of
b«rtcy-l>rehV. Albtsiuaj to it occur ri'peatcxlty in nur t,*lcl
writer*^ and Ibeir commcntatori huve piled one paraLlcl
pMMge tipoa Another, wilbout advancing * tingle ttrp
lowarrts exfilitlinlng wlidf tbb CflebradMl (ittitiiiie rt-Mlly naa
It vtn% pljiyed by six people (Ihrec of eidi neit), wlit* wet*
couptt'd by lot. A piece of ground wa:» then cbo^^n, /lud
dividrd into Ihrco compftrftnent», of wliic^ the middle onv
w«i called Hell It w«» ifae object of the coaple condeiaaed
to fbif<livijiioi), localch the otheri, who ndvaticed from ibe
two eslrviiutit'it ; in which ca»e m chinge of litnailcNn took
Elaoe, Slid hcU wa» Dllcd by the couple mho wire enclnded
y preoccapatknij from the other places: in thi« '* cafciiing,"
however, tbere wai tome diffically, ai, by the re|ridB(ic»i>a of
die game, the middle couple were not to H-pnrale before
they had incceeded. while the othcm ttdghi bre»k han«1t
whenever thcj funnd thcmtelvca hard presfed. Wlirn JiH
Jiatt been taken in turn, the laa.t couple waj aald to A« in
heti, and the fame ended^ Iml^Hui UthorJ^-Mt. If, Miaoa
kM* given the following deaeription of Ihif putlBic with
aUe|;orical pertonaKe*, Irojn Sir John SuckUiis:
** Love, UcaMu, llqte, liM once beapcak
Three tnjitc* to jil«y at barleybn^ak ;
Lovft Kol!y took ; and Rik^giMm Fancy ;
And HaLe'ci>a«>rtii wilh Pride ; todiQce tbejr :
L4>ve couplfd last, and au It fell
That l-t*e and FoUy were In hell.
Tlicy break ; mad Love would Rcaion m«!et.
But Hate wa» <dniblrr on hef feet;
Fancy ItHik* for Pride» and thilher
Hie», aiui they two hug together:
Yit tbij ttew cnnptiae fttitl doth tell
That Love aiid FtjUy «ere in Uell.
The r«ti do bt\*ak attain, and Pride
Hath aow Kot UeaH^m on her tide ;
Hate and ¥»ncy meet, and »tam1i
t^ttbimdi'd fay Love Ui V*A\y'i. hand ;
Pollv wai dnit, but Love ran well,
So Lwe and FoUy were In bvlL"
A shape imgeltcal. Mine ey»a, thoug-h dankd.
And daunted at first sight, tell me, it wore
A pair of glorious wmga ; yei, ibey were fnag^
And hence he flew : ^^ 'tis Tanish'd I Jupiter,
For all my aacrifices done to him«
N<»ver once gave me amtle. — Hem can Bloiie talfe,
Or wooden inm^ laugh t [miuieS\ Ha ! I rMoettbcr |
Such music gave a welcome to mine e«ir,
When the fiur voutli catne to me ; — *ua in tlie air,
Or from some better place* ; a power dirine.
Through my dark ^aoruice on my aoul does shii
And makea me see a oonacienoe all atain'd o'er,
Nay, drowned and damn'd for erer in CluietiBn gofib, |
Harp, [^within J] Ha, ha, ha I [toi^aa |
Theaph. Again ! — Whnt dniotr relish od vy [
Thia fruit bath lefl ! §ome angel bath me fed i
If ao toothfidlt I will be baniiueted* [£>^«l
Enttr liAnPAX m o fmrful lAope , Jirtjtaahmg tmtifl
tht Siudif,
Harp. Hold!
Theuph. Not for Ciesar,
Htfifi, Hiif for m? thou shalt* [bwi.
Thfoph. Thou art no twin to hxm tbaC laat wat
Ye pQwersi, whom my soul bida me reTerenee,
Whnt tirt thou 1 [S^ard oeJ
Hitrp. I am tliy master.
Thetiftk. Miue !
Hfirp. Andtlioomv everloaiing slare ; that Harpaci
Wbo Land in hand Wh led tbee to tiiy hell,
AmL
Thenph* AvQunt?
/f«i7j. I will not ; cast thou down
That basket mtb the things in't. and fetch up
What thou liital swallowed, and then take a drink,
Which 1 shall ^ve thee, and Vm g^ooe.
Thei^ph. My fruit]
Does this o^end thee 1 aee I [£ati i^^aai.
ilurp. Spit it to tlie earth|,
And tread upon it, or 111 pieeemeal tear tbee.
Theoph. Art thou witli thia affrighted I see, bpf«*i
more. [Putts mir a handful of H^mtn.
Harp. Fling them away. 111 take tbee elae, and
bang t]u>e
In a eontoried uhain of isiclei
In the frigid z,one : down with them I
Theoph, At the bottom
One thing I found not yet. See !
[HoldM up a fUMf ofjtem'^rt.
HarfK Oh ! I am tortured*
Thetyfih. Ctin this do*l ? hence, thou fien<l
Harp. Claap Jupiter's image, and away ^^ .: i, iu»i.
Tktttpfu At thee TU iing that Jupiter ; for, Re-
thinks,
I ser^'e a better master : he now checks me
For murdenog my two daughters, put oof by tha a
• OrJhmwmtMarf^wxi] la Coxelrr't edttion.^ibea
wai dropl at the prcaa, I anppoae : and M. W«w.n. ^rh..
•eeras to have do concept loo of any older or -
Mindly ruUitwedbIm; ihun^h ihe line h4a iteiil..
itor »cn»e withont the ^ord, inM'rte<d Troni ihe oM ^^
h«it ind«*«d the fihole of thia »crne, nti It Maud* In iIht lii»o
fonnertillflouf.eipeciAlty the laitttf full of the moaA ■haiuir'
fnJ ilHiRdert.
f y/»ntoothfttU, &c.' Midfrii cdl
tioaa hdve tooth wfrtm' > wonl, hat
ahonid not have ber« -iJ . iiiiMr.
I Harp. Spit ittotftft^tifth,] TIm^ utxt and tKcond t|naflM
read Mpet, which wa« i*t*V¥ bieglnnlng tugrvwr ubmletti' ; la Cb«
auccecinne vne It U *p*f-
$ |fbi oQ fry thm —1 L P. «Deoans»d, Iai»if«te4.
So lo Sb«k«pcare :
Q
THE VIRGIN-MaRTYR.
«9
iamn'd rhetoric did I hunt the life
thea, the holy Tirgin-martyr.
)t angry with the axe, nor me.
Is these presents to me ; and 111 travel
rids to find her, and from her white hand
rgiveness.
No ; 111 bind thee here. [weapon*,
i, I serre a strength abore thine ; this small
s is armour hard enough.
Keep from me [Smh a little.
k. Art posting to thy centre? down, hell-
nd ! down ;
n hast lost: that arm, which hurls thee
ice, [Horpox dueqrpears,
', and set meik,>, the strong defence
ur Christian's quarrel !
Enter Anoslo.
Fix thy foot there,
thou shaken with a Cesar's roice,
thousand deaths were in it ; and I then
Of thee to a river, that shall wash
ody hands clean and more white than snow ;
hat garden where these blest things grow,
hat martvr'd rirgio, who hath sent
ftvenly token to thee : spread this brare wing,
re, turn Caesar, a far greater king. [^Exit.
, It is, it is some angeL Vanish'd again !
le back, rarishing hoy ! bright messenger !
ist, by these mine eyes fix'd on thy beauty,
m! all my souL Now look I back
>lack mannies, which, as they did [me,
the bloodiest, thou, blest spirit, that lead'st
le what I must to do, and, to do well,
r last act the best may paxallelt. [Exit.
SCENE n.— Dioclesian's Palace.
hocixaks, Maximxnus, the King* of Epire.
IS, and Maoedon, meeting Aktemia ; Atten-
. Gloxy and conquest still attend upon tri-
t Cesar I
. Let thv wish, fair daughter,
Uy divided ; and hereafter
kon to know and reverence Maximinus,
x>wer, with mine united: makes one Cesar.
But that I fear 'twould be held flattery,
ds considered in which we stand tied,
and empire, I should say, till now
tad seen a lady I thought worthy
J mistress.
. Sir, yon show yourself
irtier and soldier ; but take heed,
ed, my lord, though my dull-pointed beauty,
>y a harsh refusal in my servant,
jart forth such beams as may inflame you,
f encounter such a powerful one,
th a pleasing heat will thaw your heart,
bound in nbs of ice. Love still is love.
— Macbeth
:• ripe for shaking, and the Powers above
"trf oa their InatminettU."
ihU mmaU weapon,] Meaning, I believe,
MS of flowers," which he had Jast t'onnd. The
and idea* of tbb play are porely catholic
say latt act the beet ma^ parallel J Thus far
wliat foUows I apprehend was written by Masain-
b nnsorpaaaed in tlie English language.)
His bow and arrows are the same : great Julitis,
That to his successors left the name of Cesar,
Whom war could never tame, that with dry eyes
Beheld the large plains of Pharaalia cover'd
With the dead carcases of senators
And citiaens of Rom 'fhen the world knew
No other lord but hw , struck deep in years too,
^And men nay-har'd forget the lusts of youth)
After all th, s, meeting fiur Cleopatra,
A suppliant too, the magic of her eye.
Even m his pride of conquest, took him captive ;
Nor are yon more secure.
Mar. Were you deform'd
(But, by the gods, you are most excellent).
Your gravibr and discretion would overcome me ;
And I should be more proud in being prisoner
To your fair virtues, than of all the honours.
Wealth, title, empire, that my sword hath purchased.
Diode. This meets my wishes. Welcome it,
Artemia,
With outstretched arms, and study to forget
That Antoninus ever was ; thy fate
Reserved thee for this better choice, embrace it.
Max.* This hi^py match brings new nerves to
give strength
To our continued league.
Ihocle Hymen himself
Will bless this marriage, which well solemnize
In the presence of these kings.
K. of Pontut. Who rest most happy.
To be eyewitnesses of a match that brings
Peace to the empire.
Diocle. We much thank your loves ;
But Where's Sapritius, our governor.
And our most ziealous provost, good Theophilua ?
If ever prince were blest in a true servant.
Or could the gods be debtors to a man.
Both they and we stand far engaged to cherish
His piety and service.
Artem. Sir, the governor
Brooks sadly his son's loss, although he tum'd
Apostata in death t ; but bold Theophilus,
Who, for the same cause, in my presence, seal'd
His holy anger on his daughters' hearts ;
Havinff with tortures first tried to convert her,
Dragg d the bewitching Christian to the scaffold.
And saw her lose her head.
Diocle. He is all worthy :
And fitnn his own mouth I would gladly hear
The manner how she suffer'd.
Artem. Twill be delivered
With such contempt and scony (I know his nature)
That rather 'twill beget your highness' laughter.
Than the least pity.
Diocle. To that end I would hear it.
Enter Theophilus, SAPRirirs, and Macbinus.
Artem. He comes ; with him the governor.
Diocle. O, Sapritius,
I am to chide you for your tenderness ;
But yet, remembering that you are a father.
* Max. Thi» happy match, dec.] The old copies give this
to the AT. qf Epire ; it is evident, however, that he cannot
be the speaker ; I malie no apology for restoring it to Maz-
Jminns.
t Apostata in death i] Here again the modem editors,
read, Apostate in deaths though it absolately destroys the
measure. It is very strange that the frequent recurrence of
this word should not teach them to hesitate on the propriety
of corrupting it up<Mi all occasions.
d(>
THE VIRGIN-MARTYR.
[Act V.I
I win forget it. Good TheonbituB,
Vl\ speak with you nnoii — Nwuer, your ear»
[To SajfritWi,
Thtopk, [atidt to MacFmiii*<.y By AutoniuuB' soul*
I do conjure you,
And rllOu^^h not for religion, for Ins friendsliip,
Without demanding what':} the cause thatmovda mt>,
Receive roy itgnet ; — by the power of this,
Go to my prisons, aiui rebose all Chmtimis
That are in fettera thero bv my comniiand*
Mac. But what »httM follow 1
Thti^h, Haste then to the port;
You tJi(»n« shall find two tall ahips feidy rig^M*,
In which embark the poor distrc^ied flOuU»
And bear tliem froin tlie reach of tvninny.
£]}qiiire not whither you are bouad ; the Deity
That they adore will give you prosjierous winds,
And make your voyage such, and Inrgt^ly pny for
Your hazam, and your travail. Leave me here ;
There is a scene tlmt I must not ulone. [you f
llaate, g<K>d Macrinua ; and the great God guide
Mnc. ril undertake*t, there's something prompta
me to it ;
'Tts to save innocent blood, a aaiat-like act ;
And to he roerciful has never been
By moral men themselvi*s f esteem'd a &in, {EsriL
Ditxif, You know your charge ?
Sap. And will with care observe it.
DiocU. For 1 profess he is not Ciesar'a friend,
ITiat sheda a tear for any torlure thai
A Christ inn suJTers. Welcome, my beat sorvnnt,
My eoreful irndous provost ! tliow liust toiKd
To satisfy my will, though m I'llremes :
I love thfe for*t ; lliots art firm rock» tio changeling.
Prithee deliver, and for my sake do it,
Without excess of bitterness, or scoffs.
Before my brother and theae ktngd^ how took
KThe Christian her deatli ?
Theoj^. And such » presence,
Though every private head in tliis large room
Weir* circled round with an imperial croivu,
Her itory will deaene, it is »o full
Of excollenre and wonder.
DkicU. Ha! how is this?
Thtoph, O ! mark it, therefore, and witli that
attfliitaont
Aa you would hear an embassy from heaven
By a winp*d legate ; for the truth delivered
Both how, and what, this hlessifKl virgin suffered.
And Dorotliea but heronfter named,
You wll! liae up with revereni:<«, and no more,
At thinga unworthy of your thoughts^ remember
WHiot the cenoniEcd Bpartan ladies were, [matrons,
Which lying Greece so boosts of. Vour own
Your Roman dames, whose Hgures you yet keep
As holy relict, in her history
Will find a second tini : Gracchus* Cornelia |,
* You there uhttt Jind tun full *ftip§ rtadp riM*i,\ W«
liboolil now My, hi»> Kuui thiptj b»t vsv the Cnmttunal
Cttmhat.
t By iiinr*l wm tfufHtetv^M, Ac,) Tbii \a th* nEBtJin^ of
khf fii^t cun> : «ll Ihr the fAUvn have, tnorljil men^
{UrttfichuM* r&melia,) Tliit p^iitiage,af {itiiilcil in llic okl
tioo, Li iioKH'tlif'. M. M«tU3«.
Titi* In nomewh^i boU\ hi out whn nvvtr mw liie old edi-
tlowA. In Coxciir, indeed), U b i«riDfeil, or nthri poiiite»1,
•• iMi<iiiFt)fl4r ; bill iM «-4|| hli» llic old edition it Jratrcily car-
rect. Tliefirtt qutrlo mail* »» Id tf.e text wUli thvcKcoptkm
of aa spoitrvplie •ori4l«alally mlipUced ; tbe jbc<r<>tu1 rdlovrt
It, and soUi are incft eotrtct lltmo Mr. M. Ma«gDi either in
nil teal or note.
Paulina, that in death desired to follow
Her husband .Seneca, nor Bnittis' Pnrtin,
That »iwa]|f>w''d bunuug coala to overtake hi
Though all tlieir severau worths weEre g;ir«:fD to oot.
Witli this is to be mention *d.
Ma J. Is he mad T
Du*cU. Why, they did die, TheophOu^, and bokUy;
Thia did no more.
Tkeoph. They, out of desperatioD,
Or for vain glory of an aftvr-narae.
Parted with life : this hod not matiooaa aona.
As the raah Gracchi were -, nor was Uiiji aatnt
A doating mother, as Cornelia was :
ThiJi loat no husband, in whose overthrow
Her weal til and honour sunk ; no fear of want
Did makt her being tedious ; but, aiming
At an immortal crown, and to Hiii cau«>e
Who only can besLow it, who sent down
Legions of ministering aiigels to bear u|i
Her sjKyUeaa soul to benven ; who entertsia'd k
With choice celestial music, equal to
The motion of the spheres, she, ancompell'd.
Changed this life for a better. My lonl SupritiHS
\'ou were present at her death ; did you •"« hmt
Such ravisliing sounds !
Sop, Yet you 80 id then *twas witchenll.
And derilinh illusions.
Thttyph. 1 theti heard it
With sinful ears, and belched out blasphemous worda
Agiiinst hiA Oeitv, which tlien 1 knew not
Nor did believe in him.
Diocie. Why, dost thou now*
Or dar*Bit thou, in our hearing—
Theoph. Were mv voice
As loud as is hm thundfr, to be heard
Through all Uie world, all potentates on «uth
Ready to btirst witli m^, should they but hear it;
Though hifll, to aid their malice, lent her furies,
Yet 1 would sjmak, and B|ieak again, and boldly^
I am a Christian, and the Powers you worship
But dreams of fools and madmen. '
Max, Lay hands on bim.
DtMk. Thou twice a child! for doadng a^ m
mi.kes thee,
Thou couldst not else, tliy pilgrimage of life
Deing almost ^mst through, in this lust moment
DL*stroy whatever thou hiuit done good or grel
Thy youth did promise much ; and, grown a mAii,
Thou mod St it good, and, with increase ckf yeara,
Thy actions still better'd : as the sun,
I'hoQ did'ni rise gloriously, kept'st a constant coutia
In all tliy jouroey ; and now, in the evening,
When thou should'st pass witli honour to thy reit«
Wilt thou fall like a meteor 1
Sitp. Yet confess
That thou art mad, and that thy toogua and
Had no agreement,
AftLT, Do ; no way is left, else,
To save tliy lite, Theophilua.
Dioelt. Hut, refusie it.
Destruction as horrid, land as sudden,
Shall lull upon thee, m if hell stood opni.
And rhou wert sinlin^ tlnther,
Th&c'ph. Hear me, yet ;
Hear for my nervice pnit*
Artem. \\ hat will ho say ?
Thcffph, A* evt-r I deserved your favour, bear
And grant one boon: 'tis not for life I sue for*,
* *n» mt fwr Hf§ / nrr for I The ^Jiioilrm Mt|l««s ma^
II.]
THE VIRGIN-MARTVR.
HI
is it fit that I, that ne*er knew pitj
ny Christiaii, being one myself,
lid look for any ; no, I rather beg
utmost of your cruelty ; I stand
>mptable for thousana Christians' deaths ;
, were it possible that I could die
ly for every one, then live again
e again t(»mented, 'twere to me
ttsv penance, and I should pass through
•ntle cleansing fiie ; but, that denied me,
fing beyond m strength of feeble nature,
luit is, you would hare no pity on me.
kine own house there are thousand engines
tudied cruelty, which I did prepare
miserable Christians ; let me reel,
tie Sicilian did his braaen bull,
horrid'st you can find, and I will say,
Mth that you are merdfuL
ioc/if. Despair not,
is thou shalt preTail. Go fetch them hither :
lEiiL Guard,
h shall put on a thousand shapes at once,
so appear before thee ; racks, and whips !—
flesh, with burning pincers torn, shall feed
fire that heata thou ; and what's wanting to
torture of thy body. 111 supply
inishing thy mind. Fetch all the Christians
are in hold ; and here, before his fiioe,
hem in pieces.
eoph, Tis not in thy power :
IS the fijrst good deed I ever did.
are remored out of thy reach ; howe'er
I determined for my sins to die,
t took order for their liberty,
Etill I dare thy worst.
U-etUer Guard vith the instrumenU of torture,
x'b. Bind him I say ;
t ererj artery and sinew crack :
dare that makes him eiTe the loudest shriek,*
have ten thousand orachmas : wretch ! Ill
irae the Power thou worship'st: [force thee
toph, Nerer, nsTer;
retth of mine shall e'er be spent on him,
[They tomtent him,
rhat shall ^keak his majesty or mercy,
ononr'd in my sufferings. Weak tormentors,
tortures, more : — alas T yon sre unskilful —
earen's sake more ; my breast is yet untom :
purchaae the reward that was pronounded.
rons cool, — here are arms yet, ana thighs ;
no part of me.
r. He endures beyond
ufferance of a man.
, No sigh nor groan,
tness he hath feeling.
cle. Harder, yillains !
Enter Harpax.
•p. Unless that he blaspheme he's lost for erer.
nents erer could bring forth despair.
Jbr : bat tbey are too Maeamish. This redn|^c«-
ta practiaed by all the writers of oar anthor** lime ;
:h I could, if it were neceaaary, five a thousand ez-
; Massiofer himaelf would famish a considerable
e sUyc that
the editkws
line to his own
him gioe the loudeet 9hri«k,] So
the last; when Mr. M. Mason, to
\ of barmoay, discarded Theelaoe
Let these compel him co it : Oh me,
My sncient enemies sgain ! IFaUt doM>tu
Enter Dobothea ma white "vfrf, a croim upon her
head, led in by Angelo ; Antomhus, Calista, and
Chruteta foUowing, all in wAite, but leu glorioui ;
Angelo holdt out a crown to Theophilus.
Theofih, Most glorious rision !
Did e'er so hard abed joeld man a dream
So hearenly as this 1 I am confirm'd,
Confirm'd, you blessed spirits, and make haste
To take that crown of immortality
You offer to me. Death, till this blest minute,
I never thought thee slow-paced ; nor would I
Hasten thee now, for any pain I suffer.
But that thou keep'st me trom a glorious wreath,
Which through tms stormy way I would creep to.
And, himibly kneeling, with humility wear it.
Oh ! now I feel thee : — ^blessed spirits ! I come ;
And, witness for me all these wounds and acars,
I die a soldier in the Christian wars. [Diti,
Sap. I have seen thousands tortured, but ne'er yet
A constancy like this.
Harp. I sm twice dsmn'd.
An^. Haste to thy pkce appointed, cursed fiend '
In spite of hell, this soldier's not thy prey ;
'Tis I hare won, thou that hast lost the dsy. [Exit
[Harpax tinki with thunder and lightning,
Dioele. I think the centre of the earth be crack'd.
Yet I stand still unmoved, and will go on :
The persecution that is here begun.
Through all the world with yiolence shall run.
[Flourith. Exeunt*
* Mr. M. MaaoB capriciously deranged the order in which
Coxeter printed these plays, and began with The Picture, a
piece which bears the strongest Internal marks of being a
late production. With respect to the Virgm-Martyrtht
considerably under-rates it, and Indeed dispUivs no portion
of Jodgment in appreciating either Its beauties or defects.
He adopts Coxeter's idea that it was Indebted for Its success
to the abominable scenes between HIrclns and Spangius,
pronoaaces the sublect of the tragedy to be unpleaaant. the
incidents umuiturtU, and the eupemahmU agenu employeu
to bring them about, destitute of the singnbrity and wtldnesa
which diatlnguish the fictitious beings of Shakspeare. With
respect to the sublect, it is undoubtedly ill chosen. Scourg-
ing, racking, and beheading, are circumstances of no vciy
agreeable kind ; and with the poor aids of which the stage
was then possessed, must have been somewhat worse than
ridiculous. Allowing, however, for the agency of supernatural
beings, I scarcely see how the incldenu they produce can,
as Mr. M. Mason represents them, be unnaturaL The ctm-
parlson drawn between them and the fictitious beings of
Shakspeare is injudicious. Shakspeare has no angels nor
devils; his wonderful Judgment, perhaps, Instracteahim to
avoid such untractable machinery. With fairies and spirits
he might wanton In the regions of fancy, i/«.: the chnnirter
of a heavenly messenger was of too sacred a nature for tirua.
nes§ and ainffularitif, and that of a fiend too horrible for the
ft|»ortiveness of imagination. It appears to me that Massln-
Kr and his associate had conceived the Idea of combining
e prominent parts of the old Mystery, with the Morality,
which was not vet obliterated fh>m the memories, nor perhaps
Anom the affections of many of the spectators: to this, I am
willing to hope, and not to the rIbaMry, which Mr. M. Ma-
son so property repiobates, the great success of this singular
medley might be In some measure owing. I have uken
notice of many beauilftal passages; but It would be unjust to
the authors to conclude, without remarking on the good
sense and dexterity with which they have avoMed the con-
currence of Angelo and Harpax, till the conclnding scene ;
an error into which Tasso, and others of greater name than
Massinger, have inadvertently fallen.
With a ne^ect of precision which pervades all the argo-
menu of Mr. M. Mason, he declares it Is easy to distingnlsh
the hand of Decker from that of Massinger, yet finds a dif-
ficulty in apppropriating their most characteristic language '
If I have spoken with more confidence, it is not dons
lightly, bat nrom a long and careful study of Masstager
5f
THE VIROIN-MARTYR,
[Act?
manner, nnd from that species of Internal evidence which,
thoogfa It might not perhaps sofflciently strilie tlie common
reader, is with me decisive. With respect to the scenes be-
tween the two baffoons, it wonld be an inlory to tlie name
of Massinger to waste a sincle argument la proving them
not to be his. In saying this I am actuated by no hottilltv to
Decker, who in this Play has manv passaces which evince
that he wanted not talents to rival, if he had pleased. Us
friend and associate. GirpoRD.
Notwithstanding the blemishes which have been Justiv
objected to this play, it possesses beauties of an extraordi-
nary kind.— Indeed, nothing more base and filthy can be
conceived tlian the dialogues between Hireinsaod SpungiosI
but the genuine and dignified piety of Dorothea, her nnaul-
lied innocence, her unshaken constancy, the lofty pity she
expresses fbr her persecutors, her calm contempt of tortures,
and her heroic death, exalt the mind in no common degree,
and make the reader almost insensible of the surrounding
impurity, through the holy contempt of it which they in-
spire.
How sentiments and Imaees thus opposite should be con-
tatied in the same piece, it is somewhat difficult to conceive.
If Decker had ftarnubed none but the comic parts, the doubt
would be soon at an end. But there is good reason to sup-
pose that he wrote the whole of the second act ; and the very
first scene of it has the same mixture of loathsome beastliness
and ang^c purity, which are obterved in those passages
that are more distant flrom each other* — It b the strange and
forced conjunction of Mesentius:
Afofttut jw tffthat cotpoftk vtvM,
TormentigeMu
The subject in general is certainly extravagant ; and the
introduction of a good and evil spirit, disguised in human
shapes, was not to be expected in what aspired to the credit
of a regular trasedv. Vet it should be remembered, that
poetic licenne calls In '* a thousand liveried angels" to *' lac-
key saintly chastity ;"— that whatever be their departure from
propriety, such representations had a roost solemn origin ;
and that, with this allowance, the business in which the
spirits are engaged has a substantial conformity with the
opinions of the eariy ages in which the plot is laid. The
permitted but vain opposition of the demons to the pn^ress
of the fkith, and the reasoning and ralilery which Dorothea
ircsses, under the influence of Angelo, against the pagan
Is, are to be found in Justin, Tatian, AnM>bius, and otners.*
* (Augustine and Gregory Che Great, who lived so late as
the fourth centuiv, mention the visits of the angels to this
•arth even in their days. Eo.)
—The separate agency of the spirits, %mA tke coBseaaenee 1
of their personal eaoonnter, are also described im a dune> i
teristic manner.
Apart from Aiu»lo, Harpaz seems to advaaee in Us
malignant work. When the daughters of Thcophilnsexpras
their seal for paganism, he " grows fht to sec his labuan
prosper/' Yet he cannot look forwud to the defeat «f
those labours in their approaching conversion, though, on
some occasions, we fiad ns could " aee a tlKinaand leagaes"
in his master's service. And this afrees with the duetrine,
that when some signal triumph of tlw faith wns at hand,
the evil spiriu were abridged of their vsaal powers. Agaia,
when Harpax expects to meet Angelo, he thas ex p iss s a
the dread of his preseaee, and the effect which It aflcnwds
produced on hira :
I do so halt his sig^
I shonU^Ink dowB."
ILse.1.
That, should Hook on kUs, I
And this too, perfectly agrees with thn power amihnhJ is
the superior spiriu of qneUing the demons by thoae hrfiis
tions of their quality which were not t6 hm p eicdi v ed ly |
mortals : per oceuMadnuB algma prmmmHm,
tenHhuM etiam mdUgnonm 9pirih m m, m t fWu fnas
tail Jumhmmt potnmt «sk wtmIcsm. CHm, nai Uh. la.
The other parts of the Play do not require mneh shmfs-
tlon. Indeed, the characters of Callsta and Cbrisiela ane
well sustained. Hasty, seir-coBfideat, readily pronili
their steadiness, soon forgetting their resolntions, and
secure in every change of opinion, they are vrdi eon
with Dorothea, whose fixed principles alwajr* gnaid
against rashness, and therefore ptes e r v e
tion. As to Dioclesian and his captive kinfB, they couk in .
and go out with little of ow admiration or onr pity. Artenda's J
love for Antoninus wonld be wholly withont Interest, if we I
were not moved for a moment by her indignation at the i
rejection of her offer ; and we see Imt at length consijpwd :
to Maximinus with as little emotion as is shewn by thea»- 1
selves. This, however, is somewhat rdleved by Antoniaas's
passion, a genuine one, for Dorothea.
Certainly there is too much horror in this tnitcdy. The '
daughten of Theophilus are killed on tiM atnc** TbeophihH '
himself is racked, and Dorothea is draned by the hair,
kicked, tortured, and beheaded. Its po|Mlanty nrasi there- '
fore In a considerable degree be attii bn tnd to the tnlenst
occasioned by the contrary agendas oT thn two snirin. Is i
the glorious vision of the beatified Dorothcn nt the eoncbi-
sion of the piece, and the reappearance of Afjrfks in hh
proper character, with the sacred fruit and flonni a , firom dK
" heavenly garden," and the ** avwB of
Theophilus. Db. Ikiluco.
?z
THE
UNNATURAL COMBAT.
I UmvATumAi. Combat.] Of tins Tragedy tbere is but one edition, which wu printed for John Water-
1 1639. It does not occur in Sir Henry Herbert's Office-book ; so that it is probably of a very early
and indeed Massing himself calls it " an old tragedy." Like the Virgin-Martyr, it has neither
pie nor Epilogae, wr which the author accounts in his Dedication, by obserring that the play was
ised at a time " when such by-ornaments were not advanced above the fabric of the whole work."
editors of the ^ognphia Drttmatiea speak in n^turous terms of the various excellencies of this piece,
ink, " that with very little alteration, it might be rendered a valuable acquisition to the present stage."
doubt : it is indeed a most noble performance ; grand in conception, and powerful in execution ; but
ssion on which the main part of the story hinges, is of too revolting a nature for public representation
y admire in the closet what we should turn from on the stage.
i said, in the title-page, to have been *' presented by the King's Majesty's Servants, at the Globe."
TO
MY MUCH HONOURED FRIEND,
ANTHONY SENTLEGER,
OF OAKHAM, IN KENT, ESQ.
Sn,
'he patronage of trifles, in this kind, hath long since rendered dedications, and inscriptions obsolete
it ot^ fiuhi<m, I perfectly understand, and cannot but ingenuously confess, that I walking in the same
nay be truly areued by you of weakness, or wilful error : but the reasons and defences, for the
of my service this way to you, are so just, that I cannot (in my thankfulness for so many fiivours
ad) but be ambitious to publish them. Your noble father. Sir Warham Sentleger (whose remarkable
I must be ever remembered), being, while he lived, a master, for his pleasure, in poetry, feared not to
converse with divers, whose necessitous fortunes made it their profession, amon^ which, by the
Lcy of his iudgment, I was not in the last place admitted. You (the heir of nis honour and
I inherited his good inclinations to men of my poor quality, of which I cannot give any ampler
Tny, than by my free and glad profession of it to the world. Besides (and it was not the least
-agement to me) many of eminence, and the best of such, who disdained not to take notice of me,
lot thought themselves disparaged, I dare not say honoured, to be celebrated the patrons of my
e studies : in the first file of which, I am confiaent, you shall have no cause to blush, to find
ame written. I present you with this old tragedy, without prologue or epilogue, it being composed
ne (and that too, peradventure, as knowing as this) when such by-ornaments were not advanced
the &bric of the whole work. Accept it, I beseech you, as it is, and continue your favour to the
Your servant,
PHILIP MASSINGER,
DRAMATIS PERSONJE.
A Steward.
OBT seniijr, governor of Marseilles.
OMT junior, hii ton
osT jenior, admiral of Marseilles.
OST Jttfitor, hu wan
•srr, \
JONKy \asAtianUio iht gootrnar,
»» )
tEviLLx, a pretended friend to Malefobt aenior.
ans, a poor captain.
Sea Captains, of the navy of Malefobt junior
SCENE.^Marseilles.
An Usher.
A Page.
Theocrine, datighter to Malefobt tenior
Two Waiting Women.
Two Courtezans.
A Bawd.
Servants and Soldiers.
TilK UNNATURAL COMliAT,
Act L'
ACT I.
SCENE I.— ^ Hall in tfu Cuurt ofJuMtiet,
Enter MoNTwivn-Li, THBOCRt>E, Usher, Pag*, and
Waituig Women,
Monlr* Now to be motlest. madttm, when you are
A iuitor for your futher. wouW appear
Coarsrr than Hold np*H ; you awhile nitiHt part with
Soft silence, tind the hhiiihing^a of a virgin :
Though I mtist grant, did not tliia cau.->e command it,
They ure rich jewcln you have ever worn
To all men's admiration. In tliia ftge,
If» Ijt nur own forced importunity*
Or others purchas*^ intercesaion, or
CorTU|ilingr bnbps, wo ctin mnke our approiflliei
To justice, piiardt^d from u^ by stern power,
We bless the means and ijiduslrj%
Ush, Here's music [opium,
[n thi» haf^ }»hall wake her, though nhe had drunk
Or r ttten mandrakes*. Let coitmunuhTS talk
Of cuaiions to m&kebreaches» ipve hut fire
To this petard, it shall blow open, mnrlrmi.
The iron doora of a judj^e, and m^ke you eiitmnce ;
VVbeii they (let them do what they can J with all
rhfsir iiiioe9» tlieir culveririiv, and bnaiU^cost. [lock
Shall cool tJteir feet without; diis being the pick-
That never fails,
MQiitr, Tis true, gold can do much.
But beautv more. Were I the govenior.
Though the admiral, your futhf»r, stootl coni'tcted
Of wluit he'Aaniy doubted, half a dozi*n
Of sweet clo«*e kiJtses from these cherry lips,
With some »hort active conference in privata.
Should nign Lis gfeneral panJoti'
ThiNfC, These light words, sir,
Do ill become tlie weiglit of niy 5od fortune i
And I much wonder^ vou. tJuit do pmfess
Yourself to be my father's boN,om friend^
Can raise mirth tVom his misefy«
Mmitr. You miijtake me ;
I ftliare in hk calamity, and only
Deliver my thong hia freely, what I should do
For such a rare pi^titioner : nnd if
You'll follow the direction!* I prescribe,
With my best judgment I'll mark out the wmj
For his enlargement.
Theac. With all real joy
f shall put what you counael into let,
Pr<3vided it be hooesL
Mmtr, Honesty
In a fiiir she client (tnist to my e3t7>erience)
Seldom or never prospers ; the world*s wicked ;
We are men, not sainu, sweet lady ; you mntit
practice
The manners of the time, if you intend
Tu have favour from it : do not deceive yourftelf
By huildirij^ too much on the ialse foundation a
Ot chastity and virtue. Bid your wnit»*Fs
Stand further otf, and I'll come neari»r to you,
1 Warn, Some wicked counseU on toy life,
• Or rafcn mANtI rakes.] HHl c»bj*rv*«, Ihit ** tb« ntan
drakf Ik I a thitHtriftc qiuUty, iind thut it mn* uiied by the
Ancii'ou wbrti tl»c) wa»lc^ a ti«rcoUc o# a murt |i«>wrrrul
klivl/' To it»U ibere arc pcrpctuiil allaiiMii in uur dd
wftlpn.
« Worn, Ne'er doubt it»*
If it proc e»Hl from him.
Page 1 wonder ihwl
My loi-d BO nnich offecta him,
UmH, Thou'rt a cliildf.
And dost not understand on what strong; b<tsts
This frifudship's raided between tbid ^lontTB^riDe
Andourlord, Monsieur Malefort ; but Illt««cbtfai«
From thy years tliey have hwn joint purchaawm
In fire and water workn, and trucked together.
Ptit;t. In fire and water works !
VJi, Comtiioditieji^ boy,
Which you may know* hereafter.
Pa^t'. And Jeul in them*
When the tnkde 1ih,h given you over, as appeara bf
The intn*ase of your high forehead^.
£/*/u Here's a cracky !
I tlotik thev suck thi^ knowledge in their milk,
Pfige. I Li ail an i^orunt nurse elae, I have tied.
My lady's *^rler, nnd can guess — [aur.
Uih, Peace, infant ;
Tales out o'school ! take he«d» you will be breock^d
else. [Thgocrms rwtimu
1 Tr<wn, My bdy's colour changoa.
2 Worn. She fttU* off too.
Thioe* You are a naughty tnan, indeed you arv -,
And I will sooner perish with my father.
Than at lliia price redeem him.
Montr* Take your own way,
Your modest, le|i^ way : 'tis not your veil.
Nor moumtng habit, nor these creatures tauy^bl
To howl» and cry, when you he^^^in to whimper :
Nor following ray lonra coach in tbe dirt,
Mor that which you rely upon, a bnl>e»
Will do it, when there's somethitig he likes better*
Tht?ae couTses in an old crone of lhrPoseore|,
That had seven years tog;ether tired tb© couit
With tedious petitions^ and clamours,
• t Wwn. jW« douht it
ffU yroctedfr&m kirn.] Tlie cbsmcter of Mtmfrevillr *•
rued wilb iremt l>esttty and prn|»rl«iy. The fixoduai »i
Uaicaaft!, and ib^ advice Up %\tt* Tbc-ocrinc-. faUy |Mr
^re «.i for aiiy act of irt«ther> wr crucify h^ m«> berr4n»'«
t lAb. ThmCrt a child,
And dmi nat Hmttrttand. ike.] Tlila »p«erh, 11 b lmpo«i
Me ro Mjf whjf. h«^ kKcn biih'iu* pfinnd m prtjar, lJka«||b
notblna U.clirurcr ihmi that Ibe autbor iiit ant It for
inia wbichf imkHil^ ^^ mm as rvitttlily a« any oilirf pml%
tb« play. (Oiniiteil UDiiitrntionaUy in Ei\H. Illl3«}
t ^ OM ap^MHirM by
^f Iftrur btt^li fi^rchf'Nil I AUu*Uii|[* P"*
liii|i«, fii Ihf preniaiurc b-ilrlnes* occaHMUrd by Jialitiit l»
(lie couuuiMlUtt'* Just mcntimir^t ; o», U tn«y br. lo tbr faU
iujj till of UU bair fnun ajpp : ut Ui« w<iii4«n Ui An«i;nr«>A,
^iXoi' C( <nv /»erwffoi%
^ I'sh. //mf> rt crjck t] A crack h «u aixth, «pngntly buy -
Thus, in the Drriit isn Amt :
'* If VI L' could eti <i winy t>ov now. Fn^liHr,
That vki'x^ »u excelkiH crnck^ \ <»ald liiatmcl hUn
To thp gpeai b«i<thi."
Th« wMd occun aijuin in ihe BaM'tful L^rrrr^ aitd, Iftdrfd,
ia mo^t of our olrl pUy fi-
ll Them rourart in an old Cfonr qf thtrrfrt^rt^] Tliit «*
prrwimi, wbicli, «• Johoihiii aay», mmti* au 44*1 ltH»lblpa«
ewe, in cootetopitioiiily ut^\ (or an old vtn^iuan, by all (bt
wNlrn of Mc»cu^«r*> lime. Th«»J«o»o«:
** tcf bliJi ^UiMc
Willi lempcr'd polwii U* reiaovt Ihe trmf.** l>«#Ccster
At»l Shakitiear* :
*« - take tipi lb« baaianl ;
Tftk'l If lip » I My; g,lvi iM It** r^n*n0." Wiafirr'a TW*e.
m^
•X.B»fl^ L
THE UNNAI UHAL CU.uBAi.
For rlie recoTi?rT of a stfUfqtluig^* huabond^
To pif, roraootii, tlie duties of one to her ,—
But for m lad/ of your tFropiting^ betutieH.
Your youtlit and mvishing^ frotur^A. to ho|« ouljr
In such & suit *s this ts, to gain far our.
Without excknge of couTtosy* — you conceive me—
Enter BEArroKT juniflr^ and Bklgarde.
Were mfldness at thu ibeiglit. Hore'a brivB young
Beaufort,
The rneteor of Manseille«*t. one that holds
Tl»6 •4<ivemor bis faeher's will end power
In nj-'re awe than his own ! Come, com«, advanee.
Present your h^, cramm'd with crowTis of the sun} ;
Do you tJjink he cares for mone^ 1 be tores pleasure.
Bom your petition, bum it ; be doats on you.
Upon my knowledge; to bis cabinet, do.
And be will point you out a certain course,
Be tlie cause rij^bi or wrong, to have your futber
Relei^ with much facilit/t * [Exi*,
Tl^tiic. Do you hoar 1
Take a pandar will] you.
Bt'iHj\jnR. I tell tJiee there ia neithw
Empi >yment yet, nor money.
Beig. 1 hiAve comnuinded.
And nijeiit my own means in my country *s service,
I n hope to raise a fortune*
fieauC jun. Many hare hoped so ;
But Lop(i*s prove seldom certainties with soldiers.
Bef^. II no preferment, let rae but receive
yiy pay that i* behind, to set rue up
A tB\'ern. or a vaulting bou^e; while men lore
Or drunkenness, or lechery^ they'll ne'er f&il me:
Shall t have that?
Beanf.JuH, Aii our prixes are brought in;
Till then you mxnt be patient.
Bei^. In the mean tim^,
Kow .Hball I do far clothes ?
H^Hj.jun. As moJit captain* do :
Philosopher-like^ c^rry all ytiu hava about yoti$.
B*ig, But bow shall I do, to satisfy coloo||, mom-
Tbire lies the doubt. [sieur t
Bmtif.jun, That's easily decided :
^fy f«tW*s table's free for any man
Tlt»t hath bom afiiu^
J5f^. And there'* good store of meat?
IUaui\jtin, Never iear that.
Delg, 111 seek no other ori!tni>iry then,
But be bis daily gnest without invit«ment ;
Kod if my atomacb bold, I'll feed so heartily,
As be aball pay me suddenly, to be quit of me.
Beov/.jttiu Ti^ahe.
Bd^. And further
• For tk^ Tficottnt ^fa ttrisgling huMbttnd.] The old eopf
readi Mramfitbtg,
t T%fmetnrqfUmnKU\9%^ It iniy br proper to ohtenre
acre, once ffir ill, Ibal Mir^Ulem, or »* Mn»tki>K«r ipelts it,
MiraeSlis, i* eaiuUnily lued hy him at a IdsyllaMe, wbldi,
in f^cc. It im.
t '-- ffvwnM <^f tht tun ;) EicuM d* *oirit, th« be»r
kiiid of rrtvima%,tnys Cf^tgMVf, tb»t are now ma'k; tliry
hav* m kind of little •.far (nun) on ooe tide. Thia coin it tte-
■loeolly iBKDtiiaaiKl by o«r cM writer«>
^ PhUamapkrrUke, Carry all you kat^e aho t pou.} Alio
dittf to tile well koown saying of Sitoooidr*, " OinnlJi run
nMdun porlo/*
I ; — to mi^fy fofoBj manMieurf] L e. the en vin^t of
Btaif,ftin, Away, you are troublesome j
Deiig-ni of more weight — -^
Beta^, I la ! fair Theocrine.
Nay. if a velvet petticoat move in the front,
Bulf jerkins must to tlie reur ; 1 know my manner* ♦
This ia, indeed, great busin4*sA, mine a gew^w.
I may dauoe attendance, ihiii must be dispiitch'd,-
And suddenly, or all will go to wreck ;
Cbvrge her home in the flank, my lord: nay, I itn«
gone air, [ EtiL
Besti/t jtin^Nay, prvy yon, madam, rise, or 1*11 kne*^ 1
with you.
Page. I would bring you on your kneas, were I w
woman.
Bfituf.Jun. What in it can deserve ao poor a n one
As a suit to me? This more tbun mortal form
Was fashioD*d to command, and not entreaPt :
Your will hut known ia served
Theoc, Great sir, my ^ther,
T^Iy brave, deterring father j^bnt that sorrow
Forbid* the use of speech
Beaitf.Jttn, I understand you.
Without the aids of those interpreters
Tlmt full from your fair eyes ; I know you labour
The liWrty of yoar fatlier ; at the least,
Ao e)|ual* bearing to acquit himjelf :
Atid 'tis not to endear my service to you,
Tbuug^h I mu»t odd, aud pray you with patipnce
bear it,
Tis hard to be effected, in respect
The 5tate*» inconded asi^inst htm : all presumiii^,
The world of outrag*** liis impious sou,
I Tom'd wofio th&n pirate in his cruelties,
I Express 'd to this poor couutrv, could not be
; Willi such ease put in ejcecution, if
^'our ftitb»»r, of late our great admiral.
Held not or correspondence, twooonived
At his proceed ingA.
TA*jd. And must hp tlien suffer,
His cause unheard T
Beauf.Jun, As yet it is resolved so.
In their determination. But suppose
{For I would nourish hope, not kill it, in yon)
I should divert the torrent of their purpose,
And render theTit, that are implacoble,
Iinpartlsl judges, and not sway'J with spleen ;
Will von, I dare not say in recompense.
For iBaCincludea a debt _vou cannot owe mti
But in your liberal bounty, in my suit
To you, be graciotis ?
The^f, You entreat of me, sir,
Wliat I should oier to you, with confession
That you much undervalue your own worth.
Should you receive me, since there come with ycu
Not lustful fires, but fair and lawful tlnmes.
But t must he eicused, 'tis now no time
For me to diink of Hymeneal joys.
Can he, (and pray you, sir, consider it)
That gave me life, and faculties to love.
He, as he*i* now, rendy to l>p (levoiir*d
By ravenous wolvi*i, and at tljsit instant, I
But entertain a thought of those delights.
In which perhop.*, my ardour meets with yours !
Duty and piety forbid it, siir.
the colon it the l«rgr«t nf {tn human tiilefti.n«i: ll
ftrvqaetifty occori In t^« Mine tciite it bcrc, in our old pocti.
Sole fA* Jr»7«.
" ^tH«4hn from flMh—wliibt eohn keep* more doLw
Than in«fiii«r« nt pl«)», or Jipple^wtvcf,
TTwl wr*t)(lF for « %Uvt."
* An equal h^nrituj^ A Jru-t Impartial bparln^; m e^uaf U
rnnitanlly uial b>' Ma<i<i<i(;<:r ainil hit conlem|H*r;irtrii: xhm
Plelf licj- :
" Wb4t could till* fhirf h;jve done, had Itii ci^mm? bcrn f^twl!
He miidt my bt.'an»trin*tii tremble/' Knight qf MaJltfi.
TAK UNNATUBAL COMBAT.
Aciti
I\€itvf,jun^ Buttliia effected, sad your fatlier free,
Whnt is jour answer ?
Thfoc. Every minute to me I
Will \ye a iMlious age, till our ernhmoaa
An* wamintJible to the world.
Bfititf, jun, I lu}^ no more ;
Cfuifirm u with n lti*s,
TAcv. l doubly &e«l it.
Uiih, This wQiitd do bettor alied. the btiaioesB
ended: —
They ira the loving'it couple !
Enter Beau port mnwr, Montaicne, Chamokt, and
L.iKoun.
RftMuf.jun* Here comes my father^
With die Council of Wur : tf«»Uv€r your petition,
And leave the rest to me. [TA^w:. ejj'eri a ftujier.
BeauJ\ ufiu I Jim Borry, lady,
Vouf fafber'a guilt compels your innocence
To Kftk what I lu juHtice muat deny.
Beanfjun, For my soke, air, pniy you receiire
aiid ri»ad it. [nothinj:;',
Bmu/. sen. Thou foolii«h boy J I can d«^iiy iJieo
Btttvf.jnn. Thus far we uro hflppy, madam ; fjuit
Vcju tilitdl hi'ttT how we succeed. [the place ;
Tlitiie. fiootlness reward von !
[Etrurif Tkioerifut^ Vaher^ ^«^^** «"<' Wnmen*
Mtmt, It is apparent ; and we stay too long
To o«iiaure Malffort* a« he deaerrea.
[The\f t0k« fM* maU,
Cham, There is no colour of reason that makes for
him :
Had 1h4 diKt'harged the truit commiU<?d to him^
With that experience and fidelity
He practised heretofore, it could not be
Out navy i»hould he block'd uji, and. in our si^ht,
Our c^oodt^ uiade prize, our sailom sold for slavea,
By hts proili^ous issue f.
Lan. 1 much y^ieve,
After ao many bmve and high achievemeata^
Ke should in one ill forfeit all the good
He ever did his CJOUDt^]^^
Bmtff. sen. Well, 'tis granted f.
BumuJ'.jiin. I humblv thank yoo, sir.
Beauf. ten. He shall have hearing.
His irons too struck off; bring him before of,
Bat seek no further favour.
Brauf^jun, Sir, I dare not. [EitL
BeuuJ\ lew. Monsieur Chamont, jVIontaigne, La-
noiir, aasistanta.
By a commission from the moat ChruitiaQ king,
h punishing or freeing MaWforf^ [not
Our hitt^ great admiral : ihotii^h I know you need
lustructicius from me, how to dispovie of
YourAplves in this man's trial, that exacts
Your clearest judgments, gire me itmye^ with fnTOur,
* To cvfuurv Mdltffort &c.| ^faUfort h licrc, «n(l tluroo^b-
t Ha hi* [tr i Ai ^ion» i§itvf,\ i, e. tinu.itufal horrlMr pmr-
tecit«'Ut *.< *>il; lu *l(i* « n** it i* om-n «|k|i|(n| lo c{<ti>el«,
aOiiJ oflirr rilraonlliiinry flfUM'Mrantri* In ilic *ky
** KirhoLi yun roitirl ikht-wi l:ii>t lirad agjiiu I
TvKlct hittli »K- thuji nt cfni»» toriift Ihruwn cm m
Prndighm* UnA»." Tht Himt^at Uhorw,
** TI>I» woman'* Uirrintf, her «yc» e'en rwl with lliry
Wblrli like ifroftigimm mt.-ti<oni, Tortiotd
Awarrd dvslmcUon mrr itltl be fan itic-/'
The CaptAbt.
. B««iif. wfi, tt^ff. Via f^ranfe^L) It iippe»re, tiuin 11m
•ubat^'inrrif *|^cc|»et, ihni youn^ Rr^ufort bad Imtcii iuiUriUfi||
his fattiri to 4l|pw MAlrtfln xo plead i^iilioat Ilia rhNln>
To offer my opinion. We are to beair him ,
A little looking back on his 6itr actioos,
I^^'al, and true demeanour ; not as now
By the geaersl roice abeadj he's cocidemu VI ,
But if we find, as most helteve, he batli hvsld
lufelligence with bin accuned son.
Fnlleii off from all iillegiatice. and turned
(But for what cause we know not) the moat bloodj
And fatal etiemy thii country ever
Repeated to hare brought forth ; all eoropttSAroa*
• ♦ ♦ • • '^m i
Of what be was. or may he, if now purdon^d j
We sit engaged to censure bim with ttll
Extremity and rigour*
Cham. Your lordship shows a«
A piith which we will tread in.
Ixtn* He that leases
To follow, as you k'tid, will lose liimaelf.
Morir. Ill not be singubir.
Re-enter BtAcmitT junitrr^ tcith MovmtvtLLK,
Male FORT senhr^ Bf-UJardii, und O/jFrfra,
Bivi uf. sen. He comes, but with
A ^Iniuge distracted look.
Mttt^j'. nen* Lire I once moref
To aee these hands and arms free ! theae, that oAm»
In the moat dreadful horror of a fight,
Hare been as ieamorks to tetich such as were
Seconds in my attempts, to steer between
The rocka of too much daring, ajid pale A>ar,
To frtach the port of victory ! when my sword^
Advanced thuH, to my enemies appeared
A tiairv comet, tlireatt^niug death a.nd ruin |
To such as durst behold it ! These the legu,
ThuL, when our ships were grappled, curried me
- ttU atrnftoMMou
Of what tic.] The (Quarto rrarfat
— — nit comp^fMtitm
0/whnt hr voi, or mttj/ be, {fntm pardrm^it ;
0|>r»u MluL-h Mr. M. Masod oh*iri'Vr*, " Tttit vrtii
iiUimIh i* Dol t«it*c; if ilie wi^nla afi cv*mptimi<
wt ii>u*l nec«f*aril> *npim*f ihal Mng luW *tw.^
•ivf H ihiiitMr Import, hdivc l>een omiltcd in ih- -
llj,c imm ii.4tur.ll iMnttniT of aiiteti(Un{( tli-
rfartii«|( n*t i'^imjtaM$ittH * the w«ir<l haotng b>
1 can DtlVluT r*'ct4ncik m)«rir lo n(»o(>m}r„»T4<T/
mtsj^ Ac. tior u> nlL He miglil. It tcqiiltlril, Iw ,i
CnntionnfltT n^ bvforr, MtuI tu^ such a i'Ucumttaiti t
cvirkmly attiiilin. i believe lh«l n Uiic U ton, atxi v*tiii n^
\\vA\n.\Wn wuulO propo«« lo lupj^ily tlte ebama toiurwJuil la
I bit wa> :
:P-
0/ Mm ifmri paiutd owr, 0U t
O/trbAt hm too*, or mm§ A#, (fa
riV tit, Ac.
t ^f Alcf. wn. fJf*e I mcf m0re iccJ Tkitft la ■OMMhlst
vrrv Biirlkinf in the Indiiinant hnnt (wT uira|^ ovfvalaiioii
^'Uh which thia old warrior intmiduc*** hhnteli tsn the aeeBai
; 4 h^iry comely Act f*o Ui FuimuB TrtMv ■
** — rotnits shwtb thrir JIuming hatr :
Ttnt4 «ll tmr v^ari werer acieil drrt. on hlt^ti.
And %*t' liinRhl i»liat tu iiNti, for."
Frtini iliJK, aiid itin |inji»a|i,o In tbi* ttkl, Mittpn, who«pp«an^
try vMriiiii* n»a)k« nf iiuiuiion, ls> havi; bc«n a CArf«fUl rtadrr
of }kt4t»iii|i;trr, |>r«>tMlkly formvrl the mapUfieeat and awfal
picture wljich fiiUiiV(» i
♦* ^ On ill-' i.thtr aid*,
lltiurrifiMl, and llkr 'rf,
Tlial firnt tlu' l*'n!tth 1 1 , htiM
In the arctic *ky, iwi Ituii* lu« horrtrl h«tr
Shokr» pt^rtilcnci- and war/'— ^— -
(A ntftre r^cpliilt illtiiUutJoo ma^ be qnotd ffxan Plittovrl
H«»Mnd> tranfljtlon of PUny, t>. U, clA.
" Till *c bliii^ing »tJim'» the Crctkea call cmnrloM imr floK
manes ariniias dreadful lo b« weoe wilb l»l<»iMtle k^irm^
am) all «vcr mugh and ahatK^d lu itw top. Ilka iH* iHiak «l
of haire upon tbr Head.) Ko-
mt
THE UNNATURAL COMHAT.
87
jTirifi motion from deck to deck,
at saw it« witb amasemeat cried,
n run, but 1Ue» J
te BttlJ retnins
leiA of bis spirit
ni. Now crampt witli irons^
nd cold, they bardly do mtpport m^-^
et inyTOlf. O, mv good lords,
lere os my judgv*, to dptenuiin**
|d deoth of Malefort, where ar© now
Bt9f tboae cheerful lookd, tboiw loud np-
ib, whefi r rpturn'd loeden with flpoil^
Uda'd your admiral T olVa forgotten :
nd htftt to |i^Te aecoiint of that
I urn u free and innocent
L nercr saw the eyes of him t,
1 I stand »u»pected.
ten. Monsieur Malefort,
tor paasioii so ikr transport yoa,
BTS from sny private malice,
yoor person, you are tjuestionM :
m Buppositioiid i^-niit weight,
ivite us to 8 strong nssunmce,
jfn. ]yiy shame *
pa. Pmy you, hear with patiimoe, — never
fssLitance or sure aids from you,
sth the pirutes of At^era X and Tunii},
le that you had almost twice dt* femted.
uch credit, as witii thi?m to be
olute commander (pray yon ob9*n-ve mv) ;
ad not iome contract pass'd between ytju,
en occasion served, you would joiu with
m of Maraeillea. [them,
lior«, what urged
to turn ap35tata § 1
Had he from
, or iroremor, the least ndglect
ry could interpret for a wrong ? [could
'r. if you slept not in your charge, how
ihips ss do infest oar coast,
i in ottr own harbour shut our asry,
mfoujEht with T
t^ Th«y put him hnnlly to it
My lornt, with a« much brevity as I can,
ir e«rh pnrticular objection [which
icli you charf^e me, llie mam pxmnd, on
• the builditig of your accnsatton,
rence to my son : should I now curse him,
m tlte agony of my troubletl soul,
Hhad found him in his mother's womb,
k'tis from Uie purpose ; and 1 therefore
I to the d^vil, and so tears htm*
|]oyaI fatlter but myself
cherous issue T wasH in me
9 to fiiahion up his mind,
vtioa to form
i to his hodv ! I\Iu$t it follow.
D^ciiu5e that be is impious, I am felae ?-
1 would ijot Itoaat my actions, yet 'tis lawful
To uphnud ray benelifs to untliankful men.
Who sunk the Turkish gullies in the streights,
But Malefort ? Who reicuetl the French merchant's,
\\ hen they were boarded, and stow'd under hatches
By the Turate-i of Argier*, whrn every minute
Thtjy did ex^ject to be chain *d to the oar.
Hut your now doubted admu^l ! then you fill'd
The air with j»hnuts of joy, and did proclaim.
When hoj*© had left them, and grim4ook*d despair
Hower'd with sail-stretch'd wings over their heeds*,
To me, as to the Neptune of the sea.
They owed the reslitution of their goods.
Their lives, their liberties, O, can it tlieu
Be probable^ my lords, that he that never
Became (he master of a pirute*s ship.
But at the mtiinyard bung the cuptain up.
And caused the rest to be thrown over-hoard j
Should, aft«r ull these proofs of deftdl)- luite,
So oft express'd against them, entertain
A thought of t|iiiarter with them ; hut much less
(To the peqttitual ruin of my gloiies)
To join with them to lift s wicked arm
Against my mother-countrii*, this Marseilles*
Which, with my prodigal expense of blood,
I have so oft protected !
iUanf. sen. What you have done
Is granted and appluuded ; but yet know
This glorious^ relutmnt of vour actions
Must not so bJind our juifgujentj*. as to suffer
This most unnstuml crime you sUmd accui*ed of,
1*o pass unquestjon'd
Cham, No ; you mast produce
Reasons of more Tahdity and weight.
To ple«d in your defence, or wc shall hardly
Conclude you innocent
Mant. The Itwge volume of
Your former worthy deeds, with your experience,
Both what, and when to do, btit makes againat you.
i^n. For had your care and courage been tlie same
Ah heretofore, the clangers we ore plunged in
Had been with ease prevented.
Mate/, seu, WlitJt have 1
Omitted, in the power of llpsh and blood.
Even in the birtfa to strangle the designs of
lliis hell-bred wolf, my son ? alas • my lords,
I am no gnd, nor like him could foresee
His cruel tlioughts, and cursed purposes ;
Nor would the sun at my command forbear
To make bia progress to the niher world.
Affording to us one condiiuml light.
Mor could my brealh di«i>pr.4i^ those foggy mists,
Cover'd with' which, and drtrkness of the night,
Their navy undistern'd, mtliout resistance.
Beset our harbour ; make not that ray fault,
Which you in justice must ascribe to fortune. —
P ihrrr om my ju4gr», to dffemtinf^ If^, which
il>e jaietrv, i«t now firat tri'^trrte't frum>W t»l<1cfip^»
>e» q/' hum.l So tbe old co^y : vh^ titcKkrii ediltjrt
.» iht piraiew i\f AfKicm] Arek'ti b I be &1rl
l« tH«t uC every auihur of M«.«9iiie^r'« time
' Where w«i sbc bora T ipcak ; tcU me.
^ to Ajitter/'— Ed,J
avariably modernise it into A^j^a,
Wmto \um «po#t4ly]The mftrlcrti i.iliton, •» before,
fflif '. (Sc* note lu Yirg\n Martyr g Jict jv.
* Horer'd with »«U »irctdi*d wlajsi over iJMr headM,] So
JoDflon ;
" — ^ n'er oar ht'iwi*
Black raivttiuiifi nun, with hrr §aU ttretch'd nfhigtt
Beady to »jink n» duwij, Ami cuvtrr n*"
Evtry Afun tmt *(f Aiv Humomr.
Aatl Fkuhpr : . .. , *
"Fix hvm sad rc^i awhile your $ail'Mtretch d mnif*,
Tbai have ontfiilpt the wind*," The ProphvUu.
MlUon, liwi, hft« iUv t*mv ht*h\ ixprcwiSon : ibc nriglPid t»
which lhf> are »U iDilL-bttHl, i* a Aublioie pnMi^e in the
Faiiy Qnctfu. B, I. c. li. n. III.
t Th%9 tiotiiMmrelatitm.] Our mWI writers rrpqneaUy ii*e
Ihli word in \.hn*tU!K of glorlMmt vain, buAAtfid. oiteti-
UllloilA.
Bftt if tliat aor my fboBa- mSM^ vor ir^
I ha^e drHircr'd, can |aw«l with Toa«
To Mka |«od mj lataEB^ wmd Mk ;
Shi m tkit WtoB ■Hlpladh ooi tks I
TlHlktffcbfai«wId7aL [Jt
Btevf. JM. Ilofw ! m tmrnfivc !
Cii<)iiiro tiio canafr. [£nt J
IMff. va. Tboa teardiK of Baa'* kevta*
And fare daliafedar of iltt iaaoeest,
aal laok'd oa)
(If f o«]ier ojia^ I
If I in tlik wat gail^, itti
Of bf JOBW anftxpected i
I na accoMd anjasdj !
iZf^ortrr MoirrmEViiXE inik m Sea Captaia.
Bmnf, «ra. Spfak tlw Botitrca
lliat birin^ tlwa Utber !
H« dota lalate jaa Cuiiy, mod desirea
It may be uaderstood no pablic bats
Hatb broafbt bim to 31ars«ilka ; nor sf«ks ba
Thfi rain of bia coontiy, but aims only
To wreak a pnrate fmmg : mad if Inaa too,
H^ maj bare leare* and libcrtf to decide tt
la Btajrie oombat, bell rire up good pledgvs.
If ba fall in tbe tnal of bi« ri^t.
We abaU wetfrb aacbor, and ao moia molaiC
Tbie town witb boatila wrma,
Bm*^,mm. Spaak to tba Km,
If ia tlus inaMOoe be ^ipear to ^roa
To wbom ^ou bring thu cballenge.
CtpU Tis to vou.
Bcaa/lim. IlUimtber!
StoHtr, Con it be ?
Btttuf.juM, Strange end prodigious !
Mat^, Jtn. Tboo seeit I stand unjaored : were
Uiy Toica tbandcr,
Jt eboijd not abake me ; tar, irbat would tb« riper ?
Cu/»i. I1ie farareoce a father*! name may cballange*
And duty of a ton no more renaambcr'dt
He does ddy thee to tbe deatb.
MaUf\ ten. Go oo< [Uead,
Caph And ^-itli Ilia sword will prove it on thy
Tlioti art a murderer, an atheist ;
And tb^ idl attributes of men tum'd fufiea
Cannot ezpnoa tbae ; tbia be arill maka good.
If tboQ dar St prive him meeting.
MuUf. ten. Dare I live 1
Dare I, wheu mountains of my sins o'enrbdm tne^
At mv hist gasp ask for mercj ! how I bless
Tbj coming, captain ; nerer man to me
Arrired so opportunely ; and thy rae^^gp,
Howerer it may seem to threateii death,
Doas yield to me a second life in curing
My wounded honour. Stand I yet suspected
As ft eonfedi'Titte witb this enemy «
Whom of sU men, against all ties of uature,
IJti marks oat for destruimon t you are just,
Iiiimr»rt«l Powers, and in Um» mt«rciful ;
And It tales from my lorrow, and my shame
For being the father to ao bad a son,
• - mdiffnmpim
ij0 mair JUrar Imrt, Ac] TUh pisMct is ittry iiicwTc««fy
poistMl In lilt furtucr mtiliooi^
ia tbat pm an pleaaed to aithr op tbo »•
To My eonveiaon. Blosb and r^ioat
Aa joa an booad, mr hcciourabia lorda»
To«r iD opiakMa of me. Not grwt Bratna
Tbe fabwoftbo Roman blterty
Witb Bora atiiiiiad eoostancy Miald
; Ula liaitar aflua, for labouring to call home
I Tba baniaii'd Tarq uina, scourged witli rods to death,
Tban I will abew, wbc«i I take back tbe life
Tbaa fmdigy of mankind loceared from ma.
Ban^, sfK, Wa are aony, monaaaur Makfbrt,
Mir oor avror^
witb your reaolution ;
Bat tba di^iari^ of years and atrengtb.
[icidfL And aio maeb 1
iraea too tod your son, duly coaaider*d.
We iKioold not ao axpoae yon.
Ma^.aai. Tbm you kiU me.
IMar fgrnanem to care me. O my lords.
Am jtm lore bonour, and a wroug'd ntan'a fiuna,
D«By mm not tbia 6ir and noble meaoa
To maka ma right again to all the world.
Sboold any ocber bot myself be chosao
To psaiab this apoeUta'wtth deatb*,
YoQ fob a wiacc&ed £uber of a justioe
Tbal to alJ aAar toaaa win be recorded.
I wiab bia itrmgtb wars centuple, lua aldtl equal
To my ezperienea, dait in bis fall
He may not abame mj Tictory I 1 feel
Tbe powers and apinu of tw«n^ atrong men in aie.
Were be witb wild fire cirded, I undaunted
Would nttka way to hiA^ — As you do affect, air^
My daagbiar Tbeoericiat ; a^ you are
My tma and andant fnmd ; as tbuo art raUaiit} ;
And as alt lore a aoUier, aeoood me
In this my just petition. In your looks
I see a grant, mr lord.
Bsaa^. am, l^oo shall o*erbear m^e ;
And aince yon arp> so confidiait in yoor oiuiae,
Preoara you for the combat
Maltf, jp«. With more joy
Tban yet I erer tasted : by tbe next ana,
Tbe diaobedient rebel shall hear from mo.
And ao returo in safety. [ To the Captain*} My
good lords.
To all Biy aerrice,— I will die, or purchaaa
Rest to Marseilles ; nor can I make doubt.
But his impiety is a potent charm,
To edge my sword, and add «treagtb to my arm,
[ KtemitL
* Tm pmdJk tki* upoptati mitk ^milhA Roth rh, .^iium
rrwl, re^aaisllAlf MpMUte «oa ir' olb
a»iwhi«f Hi sitrriiif an aaibor^i Ua^i- ,,trp
(loei ooiMiKNirae^ fw^lcd tcniu, ^^ _.,i
wonti of oar own lo eumplri? I(. Ay^^t',
wtnt my w«||: \mt Ctrnvter and M. Ma>^
mlard tu wrife Mgioiifallf, rmind thetuirh n ^
Mom to it, mad tbu ^nfrebtcd tkc orifiasl wxfuvm^tuu.
f Mp dat^hirr Theocfittv ;1 Thtt icr i mt k con»i4nlU a*nl
o a ^osilrityUable. It »ho«ld be otkMrVrd (bat n* I)ir9ii>t7
sad the iiAintrt mre Prrnrh. Matsiticvr Mlitpi« thr PrwcU
MKNlvof enonbcinj th^»u. The rraacr tnu»l t^ir ttil* Is
' m§ thvu ttft f^fiant;] Tttt* U *^\i\ f« ibv
mlatf.
I
cspUln who brcNigjkl the ctinUrnjtc : (ttr oihci iMrrwfra wA
Jflivd nnt yvmug Bvnefbrt nmX MoutrrviUe. it ^|>pr4r•, Tfvm
the pnintifti; orih« ftmaer cdliioBB, tkai the [»«ttifew*i »9i
IIIWlprtltCNM).
R L]
THE UNNATTTRAL COMBAT.
59
ACT IL
SCENE I. — An open Space ttyidiout the Citijf,
Enter three Sea CapMUDS.
Capt, He did acrept the ciialtenget then?
Corpl. Xay more,
overjoy 'd in't ; and, as it had been
or inritflment to a solemn feast.
not m evnnhat to conclude with desCfa,
lie«rfdllT embraced it.
Cnpt Are the article§
'd to on both partji ?
Capi. Ac the father's anit,
I much unwillingneai the governor
lented to them.
Ccpt, Yon are inward with
admiral ; could you y«t never leem
t the nature of the quarrel i^, that rend«ri!
■on more tljon incensed, implacoMe^
Dst the father!
Capf. Never j yet I have,
IT aa roannera would give warrant lo it,
I my beat ciiriouaneM of care observed him*
'e aat with him in his cabin n day together*,
lot a syllable exchanged between us.
be did ofteD^ a5 if inward grief
raelaocboly at that instant would
;e up hia rital spihts, and now and then
IT or two* as in deriiion of
toughneaa of his nig^ged temper, would
DO hia hollow cheeks, which but once felt,
iden flaah of fury did dry up ;
byJDg then his hand upon biji sword,
roold murmur, but yet so «a I oft heard him,
^m11 meet, cruel father, yes, we sball ;
n I'll exact, for every womaniah drop
»now &om tbeee eyre, a striet accompt
Dch more firom thy heart
Copt. 'Tie woodroua strange.
Capi. And peat my spprehension.
dipt. Vet what nmlces
gairacle greater, when from the maintop
Ti deecned, all thoofr^ts that do concern
leif laid by, no lion, pinch'd with hunger,
ea hanueff more fiercely from hh den,
he cornea on the deck ; and there bow wisely
ivee directiotis, and bow stout be is
I executions, we, to admiration,
been eyewitnesses : yet be never aunt's
DOoty when 'tis made ours : but ns if
tanker, in the purchase of the prey,
-hted him much more than the reward,
riU made known, he does retire himself
B private contemplation, no joy
MS*d by bim for Hctory.
Enter Malefortjuhmv.
IWpt. Here he comes,
rith more cheerful looks than ever yet
him wear.
ief'.jun. It was long since resolved on,
nut I atagger now [in'ft]. Msy the cause,
rofoea me to this unnatural act,
lenr aef with him in Au cabin, &c.] Tlii» IwiiiOriit
tt espmaiaic cnnceakct rcirnlmfiit. dcierve* to b«
!«d by evcrjr rc-atfcr ot f*9^c mhA )i>d^in«nL Coitarta.
r mmet t ttayjffrntmf \\f\'<t]. In t\ui*M copy, * sy|.
It drupt ont^Mrhkk r«ti(tvrxth« Jtiic quite iiiimetrke«l
Be buried iu everlasting silence.
And I find rest in death, or my revenge ♦
To either I stand equal* Pray you, gentleman.
Be rh&ritnblc^ in your censures of me.
And do not eniertain a false belief
That 1 am mad, for undertaking that
Which must be, when effected, still repented.
It adds to my calamity, that 1 have
Discourse* and reason, uid but too well know
I can nor live, nor end a wretched life,
But both wsys I am impious. Do not, tlierefore,
Ascribe the perturbation of my soul
To a servile fear of death : 1 oft have view'd
All kinds of his inevitable darts,
Nor are they temble* Were I condemned to leap
From the cloud-coverM brows of a steep rock,
Into the deep i or Curtios like, to fill up.
For my country's safety, and an after name.
A bottomless abyss, or charge tlirougb fire.
It could not BO much shake me, &s th* encounter
Of this day's single enemy.
1 Capt. If you please, sir,
1 ou may shon it, or defer it.
Malefljun, Not for the world :
Vet two tilings I entreat you : the first is,
Voull not enquire the difference between
Myself and him, which as a failier once
I honoured » now my deadliest enemy ;
The last is, if 1 fall, to bear my body
Far from this place, nnd where you please inter iL —
f should say more, but by hi^ sudden cooling
I em cut off.
Fnf^r &EL\upoRT Junior and MoNTasvii.ij(, teading in
M^LEfORT seuier ; bEi.<:iARDE J oltmcing, u;ith cihen^
Bmu/.jun. Let me, sir, have the honour
To be your second.
I have DO gmt cDtiAclrnceln ihr gcnuineiiesiotwhit I hsve
inserted between brackcis: it ii hantilfia, biiwevcr, tod
•erve*, •• FilaiJiff sa>», ii»fill n pM !ih wrU hp ■ better.
• It addt to mj/ catamitv, that J haw
DiKoarK amd rfoum] U b very UlfliruJt lo detemiine
(lie precife meaalog which our ■ncesiors gnvc to dijuamrxf ^
ot to dutiofslsh me tine wbicti aepnratcK) U fmm rfOMttru
Per!h«ps Jt indicatefl a mart rapid dcdiicikrn of r.>nii4qiit Dcea
from prpn)li>ct, tbui was «DppuH>d lo hv etterttd by reu-
froo :— bat I rpeak wiih ht^jiiiaiion. The :icutt GlativilJi* f»y«,
" The act of the miod which cfmiierift pro]ioitiiiuii»f ^ind
dcdocctb vonctntliMiii from themt *he H^hool* called di«cvi<rji^«
and we BhaJLufit miscall It, Jr we usutw it retufm/' Whut-
ever be Ihe scnBe,Mt fi^tnifnfly appearit in our nlci virUei^,
by whom it ia utually coiipUd wiih rmium or Juffffmrntt
which Ian thoukt »ee»n to be Ihe more proper word. Thui
h> the Cit^ Madam ;
" Sof h a» want
BiMcourm and judgement, and tbronsb weskncss f*ll,
May merit men'f efrnipaaflioDi.''
Again, in the Ctt^eontb:
" Why »hfiakl a man that 1mi dieemirae and reaatm.
And kncpvia how near he h>»e» ttl in thctc Ibingt,
Covi-t ro have hii ^i>he» Mltined t"
Tiic reader rcmembcrt Ihe e^icUmnUun of flamlt'i,
" Oh beaven ! * bcaat Ihal watiiJi divconrw o/resisAn, &r.
"Th|«," layi WarburtoD, who conirivc^i tu bliTuitcr with
mere incexmity than ntnaJty fnM« t& the lot of a ciJininfnU-
lor, *' it Ancly eaprefaed. and with a phllo«(>pl«iral exartiiiitt ;
Bcasta want Bot muon,*' cihlj \$ a nvwdi9cfMten,%} " but the
^ieemwee qfreamm ; i. c. the regulHr inrcmti| one (hir>g
from aooitier by the atalttiirtce of nnivcrjiBl*"! DhcvnrKi
tif rc»mn n m poor and perplexed a phra^e, thai wit luim
rviiord for Uie " philfwophical vx;Bcrne»" of ShukAftenre, I
»hould diBDia* it al once, for what I tjelievc (o t>e bis genuine
lanjl^uage ;
'* O beavea t • bcsit that wtnU dlacoorse and reaion," 4tc.
40
THE UNNATURAL COMBAT.
[Act U.\
^Sontr. With your pardintf »ir,
I tnust put in for thnt, since our Iried fmndsbtp
HotK Uiited from our infancy.
Hfljs- 1 have wrrpd
lTnd«»r your command, and you UtT© seen in« fi?yht,
And hiuidsomelv, thougli I say it ; »ntl if now *»
At this doirnright pkmt\ I may but hold ywuf curds,
I'll not |»uJl dowTi lU«? sidft.
jVfi/W. 1^. I rest much hound
To vour HO nohle ofFprj*, and I hop©
f>lijtll find your pjmloTi, ihoujf^h I now refiinn them }
For which I'll \ield strong reaaons, but tm hrielly
Ai» thv time wild ^re me Wre. For me to borrow
f Thttt am supposed die weaker ) nny aid
rrnm tlip aasistiuicp of my *i*cond's sword,
Mi^ht writ© me dovm m the bhick list of ttiose
Thtit hjivi* nor fire nor spirit of their own ;
But djitv, luid do, as they deriv*^ their coum^e
From his exjimpli?, oo wboHe help nud valour
They wholly do de]H»nd. Lt^t this suffic e
In my excuse for that. Sow, if you plea^^
On both parts, to n-tith to yonder mount,
Where you, a,s in a Itonum thealre,
May »ee tlie bloody difference determined,
Your fRVour^ ineet my wisht«».
Miit^'f. Jvn, 'Ti» approved of
By me ; and I conuoand yoo [To hit CWplutiff] lead
the way,
And leave me to my fortune.
Beauf^jun, I would glndly
B« ■ spectator { &ince 1 nm ifenied
To be an actor ) of each blow and thrust.
And punctually ohserr© tUem.
MiiUf.Jun, V'ou shall hftvo
All vou desire J for in a word or two
1 mu<it make hold to entertain the time
If he give stiffra^ to it.
Mfilcf, ten. Yes, I will ;
I'll bt^iir thee, aiul theu kill thee : m\y, fan*well.
MntfJ.jun. Emhroce wiiJj love oti Wtli sidea^iuid
Lenve deudly hate and ftjry* [with ui
Maief\ sen. From ihi» plnce
You neVr shdl see both living-.
fiftg. W hat's |>aAt help, is
B«yond prevention.
[Thetf ttHbrace m Itoth ii<i#i, and take Ifttw
aet^rattti of the fatktr and Mm*
Molef* if II. Now we are alone, »if ;
And thou hast liberty to unlotnl tlic burtlien
Which tlmu gnmnVt uiidt't. S|>eak thy |^ef«.
Matff^Jun. I shall, »ir ;
Btit in a perjilexM form and method, which
\nM only can inierjiret ; Would you had not
A giulty knowledge in your bosom, of
At th,
^mmit, i may tmt htttd jftmr rnrdM,
n Itvc *lkle,] i, «•♦ I'll mtl injiirr ynnr
'rti«#ton tiic»i»« M Ut« Crttmt Duke iif
** Voa, Pnfj- yon pantc « Ht*l<f.
If I hotd yuiir c«nl*t f t^UmU puU dotfin the tU^,
1 Kfii ii'tt g*»tti »t U>« grtme/'
Tltt; itllu*t<iri \t (u 4 [»4ri> nt < nr^tt ; to «rl^ Mp a f^, WM to
b«[*niTic |i4ritier!i iti « ifiim' ; to j>»iH «f phtfik down « ttdt
(iot Ii4ii|> ili«r!tv lormit an? fiHiml in our i»kl |^4)>) w*i to
iM'i 4«iii«i it* Imm l>y iinormicr or tr«4cli«ry. Thtit, In th*
Faraan't tLrUl^j :
AnU Id thi> M
> ' ' ■. tJiko Iwr Mrt,
rh(.r I uil! rtinn- It,
" Site wm |r/U( A dowK a mde, alie docs «al tat It**
Tlie lan^a|9;e which you forcfi me to delircr.
So I were nothin§r ? A a you are m> fatiier,
I hend my knee, »nd, uncompeird. profes*
My hf»', and all thsil's raiiie, to Imi your gift;
And that in a s^jn'** duty I sfujid bound
To lay this head l»enealli yo«r f<pet, and run
All desjxrate hazards for your ease a«*l safety :
But lliia ronfest on my pari, 1 rise up,
And not a« with a fatiier. (all re^rtect,
Ijove, f*?or, and reverence caat off,; but aa
A witked man^ 1 thus expostulate with yotu
Why Itnve you done that which 1 dare not epiiik,
And in the uction chanp^ed the humble aliaptt
Of mv obedience, to reht^llious rage, [ina^
Atid insolent pride 7 and with shut eyes coiisti«ia*d
To nm my bark of honour on a tshelf
I must not see, nor, if I «uw it, shun it !
In my wr^irngs nature auffera, and looks buc k i Rtfd ,
And munkind tremblei to see me pursue
Wliat beasts would fly frooi. For when I advatiee
This sword, aa 1 must do, against your head«
Piety will weep, and filial duty mourn.
To iee their altars which you built up in me.
In a moment raxed and ruin'd. •That you eouhl
(From ray ^eved soul I wish it) but pruduea,
To qualiiy. not excu»i% )our deed of horror.
One seeming reason, that I might fix here.
And move no further !
Mairf, mn. Have I so far lost
A father's power, tliat I mutit give accoupt
or my actions to my son ? or must I pkMd
As a fearful prisoner at the bar, while hie
That owes hij^ beinp^ to me sits a judf^
To censure that, which only by myself
Ought to hi^ i|ueatinn'd ? mountains aooner fall
Beneslh their valleys, and tlie lofty pin©
Pny homage to the bmnible, or what else is
Pre|KMiterous in nature, ere my tongu«
In one short syllable yields satisfaction
To any doubt of thine ; nay, though it were
A certuinty disdain mg argameot I
Since, though my deeds wore hell's blark livtry, *
To thee they should appear triumphid robn^.
Set off iR-ith glorious honour, thou Imog fmund
I'o Si*e with my eyes, and to hold tliiit rt-a^nn.
That Lakes or birth or fa-shion irofn my will.
Mulef.jufu Tliia sword divides thai slaviah knot
Mate/, fen. It cannot :
It cannot, wretch ; and if tliou btit remember,
From whom thou hadst this spirit, thou dar*«t not
hope It.
Who train'd thee up in arms but I ! Who Isuflit
thee
Men were men only when they durst looJt dows
With scorn on death and danger, and eonteniA*d
All oppoaitjon, till plumed Victonf
Had madci her constant stand upon tlii«r heliurtal
• Thnt ^im ctmid 4e.j O thtt, &c. TliU amli^Wva af di«
slEti nf the optative ibiprJc-cUon b common to idl oar «M
draiiMiUt*-
— — riWplaiB«l Victvrv
ttnd Rvo^ff Asr tvmahmi §tand upim thtir hrimett '] lliii
noble ttstAKf •K'vius to liav« been copied by JMiltun^ wtw
"I! I ^I'll ihr iky, ■nd «n I
S^l ' Trf;"
And« la an^-i- :,'''-
" I : !• fliln ti«nil Victory
>..i r,,;.;> r^iru/'d." ■ —
Thr ^ ImiU *^*^<*Llt vt M ulcain livrr ouiirvd It truly i
ami «buve all cottinimrtiillan. CoxJTKa.
;L]
THE UNNATUliAL COMBAT.
It
'ndrr mjr shield thou hast fought •• seemnslj
the yomag niflet, corer'd witli the wingv
her finre dflm, leanu h<»w and where to prey,
that is manly id th«e, 1 call mioe ;
^what is weak and wotniuujib^ thine own.
''hat I gnWt iuiev tbou art proud, ungruteful,
LtDg to contend with ljtm» to wbotn
aou ift dup, I will taki^ from tbenp*
tbereforev for extr«)nutie«« and eKpect not
cofT^frt tbee as a son, hut kill tbfw
>rpent swoMen with poi^n ; who autririiig
* — je^r, with mf«ctioua br««thf
ier ttU things near blm« like itself,
Nay, now my anj^r** up^
roMiid Tirgina kne^^hng ut mv teet,
ith one general cfy howlijig /or mercy,
t-fiot redeem thee.
}kf,Jwu Thou incensed Power,
forbear thy thunder { let me have
in my rereoge, if from the grave
[j iDother— —
Malef, ten* Thou shalt never name her more.
iKJktMoiiT junlpr, Mo9rniJivtLi.i!, RirLOAfif»v. wwd the
Arer Siea Captwns, Appear on tht IVIf/unL
BMiuf.jun* They are at it*
f Cu}d. That thrust was put strongly home,
Mtmtt. But with more stieiigth aroided.
B*ig. Well come in ;
[e has dnrwn blood of him yet : well done, old
t Crtpt. That was a strange tniss. [cock.
Beaufljuru That a certain hit.
He*a &l]en» the da? is ours!
ipC The admiral's sfain*
. Tbe father is victorious !
1^ UR haste
o gmtuUte bts conqueist,
1 C<Pj;tti We to mourn
ke fortune of the eon.
Beaut\jun^ W^ith utmovt speed
Ac4|ijaiot the governor with tW goo<l success,
That liemay eutertainf to bis fUUioerit,
Tbe father of his country's peace and siifety.
[TA/v rrffrf.
Malrf. iM. Were a new life hid in viah mangled
limb,
I would search, and End it : and bowe*er to soma
1 may seem cruel thus to manntxe
ITpoo this senseless flesh, 1 glory in it t —
That I^have power to be unnatural ,
Is my security ; die all my lears,
And waking jealousies, which bave so long
Been my tormentors \ there's now no suspicion :
A fivt which I alone sm conscious of,
Clin nei'er be discovered, or the cause
That caU'd this duel on, I being above
All perturbations ; nor is it in
The power of fate, again makn me wretched.
i9«-«nirr BEAPFOiiTjtii»>r, Montr etjlle, Bklgarde,
and the thrt* Sea Cuptams.
Bmuf. Jan. All honour to the conqueror 1 wbo
dares tax
My &iend of treachery now ?
(Pope oaei Ihc mme flcure in lli« Otlyitry 0, lUx.
** AaaJUar to hU ton, riyiwji b«ftn
The pl iii f created beJmi voA pointed ipesrt
With thkldA IndcDied deep in gMoas warm." Eb.)
BeJ'^. I itm very glad, sir, [mucb,
You have sped so well ; hut I must tell vou thus
To put Tou in mind rhiit a low t^hb must follow
Your high swoirn tide of hnppijie«s, you have pur-
Tliis honour at n high price. [chased
Mutrf. '1 is, Br>l garde,
Above all estmintiori, and a little
To be exalted with it cannot savour
Of arrogance. That to diis arm and sword
Marseilles owes the freedom of her fears,
Or that my loyahy, not long tioce eclipaed,
Shines now more bright tlian ever, are not things
To be lamented : though, indeed, they ma^
A ppear too dearly bought, my AiUing glones
Beuig made up again, and cemented
With ft son's blood. Tis true, he was my son.
While he was worthy ; but when ht- hhook nfl'
His duty lo me, (which my tond imhils;*<n(»%
Upon submission, might p'rhaps have twifchniVl,)
And grew his country*s enemy, I look a on him
As ft stranger to my fi«nih% und a traitor
Justly prescribed, ond he to be rewarded
11] at could bring in his head. I know in this
That I amceniure*! rugged, and austere,
That will vouch»nfe not one sad sigh or tear
t'pon his slaughter 'd body : but I rest
Well satisfied in myself, being assured
That extraordinar)^ virtues, when they soar
Too high a pitch for common sights to judge of.
Losing their proper splendour, are condemn 'd
For most remarkable vires*.
Beauf.Jun. Tis too true, sir,
In iJie opinion of the multitude ;
But for myself, that wouhl t>e held your friend,
And hope tu know ynu by u neiirer name,
They are na tliey deserve, reoeivtd*
Miilef, IVIy duughttir
8lmtl iliank ^^ou for the favour.
}leouf],juii. I con wish
Nu huppiuesa beyond it.
1 CapL Shall we have leave
To hear tlie corpse of our dead admiral^
Ai he enjoin'd us, from the coast 1
MaieJ\ rrovidtrd
Tbe articles agreed on be observed,
And you depart hence with it, making oath
N ever hereafter, but ba frieuds, to loucb
Upon this shore*
1 CapL We'll faithfiillv perform it,
MiiUf. Theu as you plt^ase dispose of it ; ^tis an
object
That 1 could wish removed, llisaitin die with him I
So (wt he ban my charily.
1 Capt. Me shnll have
A soldier's funeral.
[77/r Captain* hmr th^ body afftdth md m«$ie*
MaUj, Farewell!
Jkuuf.jutu These ritw
Paid to the dead, the conoueror that survives
Must reap the harvest of his bloody labour.
Sound all loud instruments of joy and trium|di,
And witli all circumataiiee and ceremony,
Wait on tlje pafron of our liberty.
Which be at all parts merits.
* For mo$t r^mtttkuMt tsicf**] Hemarhahle Liul In Mm'
iinfer'A tirtu' n m«vre (ll^iiiriLi:! K>Qn(l, and a tmne Mppro'
priale mctinlnf, ihtn U b^»r1^ al prc»rnt« With him it eun^
•tatiUy sUad* for inr^rMiiK,hi|il}ly »ir1kiti}:, urobM-rvMbte In
or itilit it will bn well to take aij^kc
■
•If
THE irNNATURAL COMBAT.
[ActUl
1^1 ale f, T mm liononr'd
Beycmd my hopes.
limuf^Jun, 'Tia short of jour d«aertJi.
L«'uJ OQ : oh, sir, you muat ; vou ar« too moilesU
j^Kjtunt uiih laud
SCENE U^A IttKm in M*i.rniiiT'» Hmtu.
Entrr Tiikocrixe, Page, und Wauing* Wtmn?n.
Thtoc, Talk not of comfort ; I iiin botJj way*
wretched,
Al*d io rlisilracted with my douhU ami fiMU«,
I kno/vr not where to fix my tiopea. My lot!
I» oertain in n fuiher, or a Wotlier,
Or both ; such is tli** crucUy of my fiite,
And not to b« aFoided.
1 IW^m. You must bi»Jir it#
With patienc€% madam*
f Worn. And whnr'TS nut in jotl
To he preroiited, shotjht not ciiuie a sorrow
Wliich eannut iiplp lU
Pttf*e. Fear nut my brave Uinl,
Yulir fiohle father^ ti^htijig iji to him
Fumiliar uh i>nljiig. I If ciui teuch
Our modem duellisu how to cleave a hutiotu
And in a new way, neTer y«t found out
By o\d Canmxii*.
1 Warn, May he be ?ictorioafl,
And punish disobedience in his aoti !
Wiiio»e deiub, in riHison, should at no fxirt move you.
lip beinf^ but half your brother, and tUe nfarne*!*
Whirb tliat might chulloiijfe from you, forfeited
IJy hi« unpicjUM pur|J080 to kill hiiii, fnmi whom
Jfe recvived life. [A ihmtt within.
2 lVi*m. A i^enenil shout —
1 WiTm, Of joy.
Page. Look uj>, d4»ar lady ; sad uewa neref ciuno
Usher'd with loud apjilaui«.
Thfoc, I stand prfparH
1 endure the shock of it.
Enter Usber.
U§h, I am out of breafh,
With running^ to deliver first —
7W What?
C*A» We are all made.
My lord baa won iIihi dny ; your brother's «lam ^
The pimte-i gone : nnd by tbe governor,
And sTates, aod all the mi*u iif war, ha is
Brouj^ht homu in triumph ; — nay, no musing, pmy me
For my pood news hereafter.
ThftH?, Heaven is just f [meet bim<
VJt. Give thanks at leisure; make all baste to
] could wish I wer» a Lorsv, that I might bear you
7'o bim upon my back.
Prtge, Thou art in ass.
And this is a sweet burthen.
Uthn Peace, you cmck-rope I [EAfutit.
SCENE Uh—A Str^L
L*tnd mimr. Knttr Montiieville, Bkloakdc, Bicau-
I^ORr mnior, Beaviorj J nniar ; M AhtfonJ t fntimv&d
hit yiosTAJosi, CnA>iosT, and L.vNOUit.
Fkauf. $ftu All honours we can pre you, and
rewards.
Though all that's rich or precbtts in Marseilles
• M^ old Caransa.] .Vr ^A,? CuardUtn, Vol. IV. |». 174.
Were laid down at yonr feet, can bold no weight
With jrotir deserrtngs : let me jclory in
Your action, a» if it were mir»e owii j
And have the honour, with the arms of lov«.
To embrace the ^reat performer of a deed
Tnni«4>iidtng* all this country eer could boatt oC
Mont Imagixie, noble sir, in wbm we mmy
Kxptvnn our tlnuikfnlness, and ml wamuMvA
It (iball be freely gmnted.
Cham» He's an enemy
To goodness and to virtue, that dares think
There's any thiii^ within our power to gir* •,
Which you in justice may not boldly cballengti.
Lan^ And as your own ; for we will ever ha
At your devotion.
MaUf^ Much honour*d sir,
And yuu, my noble lonls, t can say only,
Tbe greatness of your favours overwbeiiita m»^
.^nd like too lar|jpe a sail, for the small bark
Of my poor merit«» smk^ me, Tlnat 1 stnnd
Tpright in your opinions, is an honour
Kxceeding my deserts, I having done
Nothing but what in duty I stcwd Hoimd to :
And to expect a recompense were buaMe.
flood deeds being ever in thcmsrlv«*A reftmrdfd*
Yet since your hberal bounties tell m« ihat
r may, with vour allowance, be a suitor.
To vou, my lord, I am an huttible one.
And must ask that, which known » I fiwr you wUl
Censure me over bold.
Bmuf. sen. It must be aometltmg
Of a strange nature, if it find Iran bm
Denial or delay.
Matff. Thus then, my lord,
Since you encoumge me : You are happy in
A worthy Sron, and all the comfort that
Fortune Las left me, is one duoghter ;, riLiw.
If it may not appear too much preiumption.
I'o Meek to matcn m? lowness with your hei^gbL,
I nhould desire (and if I may obtain it,
1 write nil ultra to my largest hojiei)
Sbe mfiy in your opinion be thought worthy
To be receive*! into your family,
And married to your sion : thetr years are ecjual.
And their desires, I think, too; she la not
lls^ioble, nor my state contemptible.
And if you think me worthy your alliaciaA,
Ti§ all 1 do aspire to.
Ikauf.junAou demand
That which ^^-ith all the service of my life
I should have labuur'd to obtain from vou.
sir, wliy are you slow to meet *u fair
And noble an uifer ' con France shew a i^irgio
That may be ]>anillerd witli her? is she not
The pbo^nix of the time, the fairest star
In tlie bright sphere of women 1
Bmttf, mn. lie not rapt so :
Tliougfj I dislike not what is motion^, yet
In what so near concerns me, it is 6t
1 fcliouM proceed with judgment.
Entttr Usher, TnFocnmit, Page, aud Wmtitig Women.
Ileauf, jun* Here she comes ;
Look on her with imfmrtial eyes, and then
Let enrv, if it can, nume one graced feature
In which she is defective*
* Tk«re*i any thing $fithin tmr peifvr lis elsr»l 1W ukl
capy loconrctly rcedt, Thtrt^a o^ eilier fM^Ao. «m1 la
the ne^t tpeeelt, optrmhelm for onrndMaia-^lie lui |« w
coitiniou ■ mo(\t of cxptestloa, (but 1 sboiikl acii haw ear-
TceUsi H, if «<aA* h«d pot Imific^ittrty Mk»W«tl,
]
THE I \NAjrHAL COAlllAT.
IS
WtleooMgirl!
i thoQ eome to greet my ndoiy
I nbte Uiibit ? tbu vhew'd weU
J hxher wu a prisoner, and suftijei t«>d ;
him taith and lojahy are admirea,
ma doubled, tn your outward gHnrienta
to «X|irM4 the joy you feel wtrbiri t
iM yxm witli more curioume^ iiud cure
Jto temple lo be made a bride,
w, wben id) men's eyea are fixt upon you,
lid appe«r to eotertAin the honour
* detOMidiug to you, and in which
» m equal abare.
Hearipn has my thanks,
haittilitv paid for your fair fortune,
IT duty Viada me ; yet a little
I a brother** losa, however wicked,
a tiJtw famiUar to our aex
, excune.
Tlioiii an deceiTvd.
g, was a blemiah to tliy beantiea,
• death gires ornament and la^itre
n^ections, bnt that thev are
attdy rare, that they iidmit not
adilition. Ha ! liere*«* yet a priul
tear ou Uiy cheek ; how it take» from
Bit bapptnesa ! wtih a father'^ lips
Balieft lipii, ru kisa it off,
i no more remember 'd.
VoQ forgai, air,^
enise wa aro in* '
Tis well coaaider'd ;
who b th« owner of a treasura
i wtlim, bat without oS>ac«,
J in the glad posaession of it?
t in your exrellence beget wondrr^
Bva, that looking^ on the daughter,
faelf in the imagination
aweet pleaAurea, and allow 'd delighta,
jrom the mother, who still trres
er perfe<!t model ; for ahe had
Such emooth aod higbHbrch'd browa, aiieh aparkhng
wye*.
WluDae eTKy gkooe alcxred Cupid^a emptied qaiver.
Such ruby upa, — and auch a hivety bloom* ,
Diadaining all adulterate aida of art.
Kept a |>erpetuAl apring upon her face,
As Deatli himaelf laineoted, being forced
To blaat it with hia paleness : and if now [y«u,
Her brigbtnesa dimnrd with aorrow, take and pleiu.D
Think, thiak, young lord, whan ihe anpean benelf«
Thia veil r«mored, in her own natural purenMBi
How jar t^he will transport you*
Btauf.Jun, Did she need tt^
The praiae which you (and well deaerred) gire toher.
Mnat of necesaity raiae new deairea
In one indebted more to yeara ; to me
Your worda are but a« ail poitr'd <m a fire,
That flames already at the height.
Mairf, No more ;
I do beliere you, and let me from you
Find so much credit j when I make her yours,
I do poaaesa you of a gift which I
With much unwillingaeaa part from. My gcwd lordti
Forbear voor further trouble ; give me Wvei
For on tte sudden I am indiafiosed
To retire to ray own bouse, and reet : to-morrow.
As you command me, I will be your guest,
And having deck'd my dtiughier like herself,
You shall hare further conference,
BMuf\ jeri. You are master
Of your own will : but fail not. III expect yoa*
I^atef, Nay, I will be excused ; I rauat part iR-itb
'jou. \^To yiiiHw^ Beauj'art and the rfwt.
My dearest Tbeocrine, give me thy band,
1 will support thee,
Thet^, Vou gripe it too hard, air,
Mal4ff. Indfed I do, but have no further end in it
But love and tendemejis, luch oh I may challenge,
And you must grant. Thou art a tweet one ; yes,
And to b-e chert4b''d.
Thwoc, Mciy 1 still deserve it !
ACT III.
I.— ^ Baa^ttflijig Haam m Beaufort's Hirtij#,
urtfrr BtAUroaT leriitir, and Stewnni.
len. Have you been croj^jful 7
A ilb my beat endeavours.
brisgatomacbs, there's no want of meat, air,
fcOQ^inus viands are prepared,
D kind«i of appetitea.
s, "1« well.
•fble fumtah^d with full plenty,
I of friends to eat it : but with this caution,
MSt hare my house a common inn,
men that come rather to devour me.
vnaait Omif service. At this time, too,
aerious and solemn meeting,
it have my board pestered with shadows*,
} kopt «•« hfw^ pnffT'ii wtfh iiti4dowi,J (t
_ 1, flvtarcb nty», m • m«rk of polkleness.ti)
led foeM kouw iltJii he \f aa al lltHTiy ti> biliig a.
buf«l* TWiw rrkn<}fl Uiv UuitiJitiii cmUH
\hr^,} « lenii wltlcli Mansiinjor h^j \try hap
That, under other roen*» protection, break in
\\ itliout invitement.
Aitffr. With ycjUT favour then, [kuowledpi*
You must double your giiurd, my lord, for on my
Ibere are some ao abaqj set, not to be kept out
fly a file of musketeent : and 'ti« less danger,
ril undertake, to fitJind at pu»h of pike
With an enem)' in a breach, that mid^rmined too,
And the cannon pluyiiig on it, tlnm to Btop
One littqjy. your ])erpetual guest, from entrance,
When ilie dresser, the cook a drum, thunders, Come
The ierviee wiU be lost elsef ! [on,
• ^nd Much a larrtp bloum,] For ihi« rvwilne wr arc lu
dtblcd lo Mp, M, M»mmi, Alt Ihc former eililioht rvwl
^aieit. wliich iIr' cuiidiwtinn lim* of ihi» bcautiml speech
incoufeflNblv prtivi? l"t>*? a iai-i»riii(.
T H hrn ihi' ttrnttrr^ tft* *oiik» drum, ikundtrt. Come <m,
Thf nervuf tciU be tmt r/jM .'J U wa» fonni^tly cu»loin*r>
for iht c«*»k, when rtinricr HrtB rt'*ft>, t«> kuuck on llie
ilrt'*9cr wUli hU kinfr, h\ w*y of fttimmHuUig the mt-
VJitilt Id cjirrv ll lulo tkc h«U ; lu tliln ibertt arc uiattv allu-
»i«UK In the Mterrf Mef^gar*, Old Reett layt, ♦• Harkl
J
w^
THE UNNATURAL COMBAT.
[Act]
Bfuuf\ ten. What ii he ?
Stttv. As toll a trencherman*, llmt is movt certain.
Am e'ef demoliiih'd pye-fortilicftUon
At ioon ts b*lter*d ; and if the rira of hit belly
Were not made up of » much tougher ttuff
Thiui \m buflr iurtin^ there were no defitooe
A^^iuMt the ("^jur^e of bis guto: yoQ needs snust
He's fmi»ent for hi* enting. pcnow him,
heauf, i€»* Ut Beljjnrdf ?
^Vu% Thp sami' ; one of the adi»tni]*iicaatcimtain«.
Who sweart, tiiere beinp no vrar» nor hop© 01 nny^
line only drillLng is to eat d»routlv,
And to be ever driokini^— lliai'i aliow'd of
liut they know not where to get it, ll>en>*a the spite
on't.
Bmm/I ten. The more their misery ; yet, if you
For this dfly put him offX* [can,
Stfw. It is beyond
The indention of nuui.
Bfauf, tetu No : — say this only, [Whisper t Ui him*
And lis iVom me ; you sppreJieiul me ?
Stai\ Yea, sir,
Iktiuf, ten. But it must be done gntvely*
Stetc, NGver,doubt me, sir.
BmuJ\ un. Well dine in the great room, but let
the mu!%ick
And bannuet^ hi? prppnred hisre, [Erit
Suw, This will miike hj«a
Ij0»e his dinner at the leant, ami tliat wil! vex him,
Ae for the sweetmeats, when they ore trod under
foot,
l/et bim tnVe hiA share with the pagee mid the
Or flonunble in the rushes, p«ickit^d.
Enter Biluiauvsu
B^ftg, 'Tis near twelve ;
1 k»>ep a wfltt'li within me never misses.
Save ihee, master steward !
Stftv. Yoo are moat welcome, sir.
Betg. Has thy lord slept well to night ? I come
to enquire.
I liitd a foolisn dream, that, against my wil!^
Carried me from my liodging, to learn only
How be*K diJipOKed,
Sltu\ He's in most perfect hi*ftlih» sir,
Reig. Let me hut see htm (i"^d heartily at dinneTt
And I'll believe 9o too \. for from that ever
I midce a certain judg:ment,
tliey ki9M:k to the drtBurJ' Svrvanlj wen* not <hcn eiN
lu%^'f<1, a* ml prtattil, lu rr«<ini-lit llie kitclu'ti, lj>9l thcv flhculd
Inifrfcre witli Ibc niotnciilu'iii I'oacrrns of the cook. Mr.
HtHi Mys OiAt ttik* practice '* wtt ointki^vd in ihv Taintlv
of Lonl Falrfix" f «i»d douMless in tlut of mjiny uthera)
" after the civil w>r»; in thai nublemnnV onleisi for the
icr\';int» of tiif huaAcliokl , to iht* rullawint; : 77m« must he
UHtTH to Ihe drtsaer, Gentlemen ami >eomvd, to the drrtaer.**
* SC(.w«nl. /4itan a trmehervutn, A.c.] Tnil,\n ilie Ian-
fiucc «f our old writers, itirjiiil vtotit, or rntlti-r bnpld iiad
f»rlcM : bat »hcy atuiiicd tht word (nf wbich ibi-y teem
fwhl) Ilia v,rtm v.ulrly of »entti%. A fall mtm q/' hi* hand§
wai a ^real rt^jliU-r ; « laU man of hit tonyutt « Urcniioiis
apcaker ; ainJ ■ tnli tnntt qf hUtrmrhrr, or, ma nbove, a tnlt
trtftchi^fHan, a heart v let-der* lii?i<»neva of iIicm? |)hra«c4
uccur »o frvt^iirutly, diat it woidd be t wane of timc! to
dwell njHitt them.
f f1 fto >\<cnr, 4ic^ fio the old eopv ; the modern edltori
rvad t*t>c4tnr, than which nn4hin|; can be- rriHur^ bijndlcioiu.
J BeMiif. ten. The tnortt their miterif ; j^, {f^9ft can,
^ar iki» da^ put hhm of] 'fhb has been hUherto ^iveu
a* SB iMperfccI tpercb; why, il \t difficult tc» imajj^knr.
$ — — — ^ but let the mwric
Ami banqatt Jwpfirpared here.] That b, ibe d«faerl. See
Slew. It holds surely
In your own constitution*
Belg. And in all men's,
Tis the best symptom ; let us lose no tioii
Delay is daui^erou^*
Stew. Troth, air, if I mis:bt.
Without offence, deliver what my lord baa
Committed to my tniAt, I abaU roceiri^ it
As a special favour.
/Jr%, ^Ve'll see it, and discourse,
A» tljt? proverb saySf for health iiake. afier
Or rother after supper ; willingly then
111 walk a mile to hear thee*,
Steu\ Nay, good air,
1 will be brief and pttby.
Beig. Prilbee be »o.
Sttw, He bid me say, of all bis guesta, ihsl be
Stands mosit affected to you, for the &eedo«i
And plainness of your manners. lie ne'er obsaiirf
To trvirl a dish about, you did not like of, [yoe
All being jdeasing to yoo ; or to take
A snyf , ot veniaon, or stale fowl, by your nose.
Which, is a solecism at another *s table ;
Out by strong eating of them, did confirm
They never were delicious, to your palatsv
Jlut when they were mortified, as the Hu^oool aayi,
And so your f>art lirrows greater; nor do yoa
Find fault with the sauce, keen hunger being the
best,
Which ever, to your much praise, you bring witb
Nor will you with impertinent relation «(, [to*! ,
Which is a masterpiece when meat's before you,
Forjfef your teetli, to use your nimble tongue.
Out do the feat vou come for.
Betg. Be advised.
And end your jeering; for if you proceed.
You'll feel, oa 1 C4in eat I can be angry,
Anfl beating may ensue.
Stew. Ill take your cuutUMd,
And roundly come to the poiiil : my Innl uorJi
That you, that are n courtier as a soldier. [waaidaii|
In nil things else, and every day can vary
Your nctiuns and discourse, continue constant
To ihis one suit,
Belg. To one ! *lis well I hare one,
Unpawn 'd, in these days ; every cast cotntnaiwler
Is not blest witli the fortune, 1 aa»ure you.
But why this (juestion ? does this olTend him ?
Steu\ Not much ; but he believes it ia the reaeoo
You ne'er presume to sit above the 8aU| ;
• Or rather e^er •tipper : wiUitutly th«n
rtl walk a uiUe to hear thet^] Alluding lotbr good old |»»^ I
vtyrb. iviblch incuk.Bteft titnp'craDce at Ihit nMfal, tty roc*i»'U
tticndiiug a walk alter it. I
f (In edit, of |gu, Gitford ba« a long aoift to tkt* wunlttl
provit iiB ijifliinction frftn aMajf, a trial, a jproof. The i
" ^ PacrSe <
lucanitig altac:h«i to s<a^ a» la Spenter^ FacrSe Qa
^*^1
'• Wbkb whctt he 9pyde opon the earth tVncroachu
Throngh the dead ctrc«ic« he made hia way ;
Monqni which h« fonnd a «<word of bctirr ariy,
"" With which he forth went into ih' open Iic;bi."
Id Kittg Lear thr word abo occurnt meaninsr p*'f*f*f, »fHl •l"|
Ihoiii^h «oniewhat diflereiil In the '
deDtiji (he «•««; hrrt- inltndrd. *
considered the word tynonimooi ws
J Ytm ne'er prvntme to eit above iU« ?^ m :, J uja n-r
Ihe fnauncr in which onr ancettnoi wei« ii»nal)> •rH
thdr ineala. The tabUt being lontt, the tJill wat rf^r
placed about Ihe middle, aitd served ne a ktml - r
ti> the dirierenl qiiulity of the gite<ii! Invite^K T !
liticttoti were ranked alKuve : thr «pace bdow 'v^
to the dependeiiti, infertor rclaliun* of (be in
hnuse, Acr. It ar];i]c» litlk for the delicacj of ii
-^J
uo
Tim UNNATURAL COMBAT.
4h
lereforef tfiU diiy« oitr gr«al Mdminl,
other slAtes, b^ixi^ invited guests,
B<s entreat you to appear unoii^ them»
le fresh babit.
f. This stuff shall not serve
Lt the dog: off ; tliese are soldier's nrments,
> by cToaseqnenee grow contemptible.
f, ft has stung him,
f^ I would I were aci^uainted with the p1a)iers,
,rity tJiey might furnish me ; but there is
fJi in brokers ; and for believing tailorc,
sre only to be naui of, but not seen ;
Uttt they sfe confined to their own hells,
JMfe they Uve invisible. Well, T niuitt not
>b*d off thus : pmv you report my a<»rvice
► lord govern Of J t will obey him;
tBOogh my wardrobe's poor, rather tlum lose
mpoor at diis feast, 1 will put on
eacst suit I have, and fill the clmir
Qalrea me worthy oP. [£H<-
f. We ttre shut of htm,
11 be seen no more here : how my fellows
tle^s me for hi a absence ! he had starved them,
e staid a little longer. Would he could,
9 own sake, shift a shirt ! and that's the utmost
rtioo I ftdieu, good captain. [£ji/.
SCENE Ih^Tketiimg,
Off fiKAfronT Jenitft , and BaAUfORTjfiiftlor.
uf. ten. Til a itranse fondoesa.
uj.'Jun. 'Tis beyond exampk*
solution to part with bis estate,
Jre hei dower the weightier, is nothing ;
» observe bow curious he is
own person^ to add ornament
\ daugVler's ravishing features, is the wonder
m po^e of mine in tlie way of courtship
nomins: lo her, to present my service,
whom 1 understanu all : there he found him
tons in wluit shape she should apf>eiir;
twas ricbibiit the fashion stall? ; tlie other
L, and neat, but the stuff not rich enough ;
be curse the tailor, and in rage
r aboemaker, for wanting art
pram in every cireumstance the form
r moat delicate foot ; then sits io council
►ey ib«nW wtmU of •ocli dintiartions at their tKMrdj
rmHi I lo b«v« pUctHl ilit'tr £iiC9t:i belotrthe
or ti jrtjje than ibal ut monityio^ itu-m.
, Jn I itotj)i*$t, (F. 3.) gi^e* « very adnur-
i>r' itiiKiies *' <if a poor scholar/' (Hiitrt
. **A genilf nqvffTf," Ac, i> a venibcatioo
hi hi»vc tak«u the rolloaring clianotcri-itk
•• Nnv a for hit fare, it i» U;jhiJ) at the chcafiest
kflt if* tntnt <il wtrr the anit, thJit u Ht\ axiotut^ iu
|ilS«i;^the», haviiif tirawnt bif kriir« k-iiurably, uq-
bU naulcio mannerly, aHcr tMrkc or diricc WypioE hit
ir he B4VK U, liv may reach ibe brvad on hit knife's
ami fifl r.i hji porrigr, tnd bclwet'ii every iponeftjU
k mv '-'n, M M capon craooijig,^ lesi he tut mtt
Jfc>f ^i«j^ ham bwied part ^f thnrjlni
in r.'.
u « rjiapay piece of |>late -with a cover of
lit NkhoUj'a ProereaK^s of Que^^n EH-ta-
j»e of «ioe, aiift in DitKliri% LUtruiT Kemi
■ij^raving of one Ih'Ii i 4rk'hriiUiii
' r, it ii flffiirvd h-i^: [ flic, anif
. may be forrnti) ui i nsul tlitMr
f |>ic«t^ Ml ftimltnre. Ei>»)
amdJUl th» chair
t snoAei nc m^rihf ^f. \ Hib mo hit been hitherto
I sa «« Imperfect •entvjice; but torely, wUttoui ne-
TW iticaiiitie ki, " I will WX the < hi Ir of which that
n. fte bert tttit I have) makei mc worthy."
With much df^liWratioti , to find out
What tire would best adorn ber; and one chosen,
V^arying in his opinion, he tears off,
Andf stamps it under foot ; then trie.s a secoiidj,
A third, and fourtli, and satisfied at lenglli.
With much ado, in that, he grows agiia
Perplexed and troubled where to pkes her iewels,
To be most mark'd, and whether she abould wear
This diamond on her forehead, or betweefi
Her milk white naps, diiiputing on it botb ways J
TIk'h to king in his hand a rope of pearl,
(The best of France,) be serioasly considen,
Whether he should dispose it on her arm,
Or on her neck ; with twenty other trifles,
Ti>o tedioui to deliver.
Bf^ujf. am. I bavf^ known him.
From bis first youth, hut never yet observed,
In all the passagei of hi a life and fortunes.
Virtues so mijx'd wiUi vices: valiant the world
speaks him,
But with that, bloody \ liberal in his gifts too,
Hut to miiiufain his prodi^ exfuense,
A fierce e?ctortioner ; an impotent lover
or women for a flaab*, but, bin tires quejich'd.
Hating as deodlv : the truth is, 1 am not
Ambitious of this match ; nor will 1 cross you
In your affections*
BetniJ\Jun* I have ever found you
(And 'tis my happiness) a loving father,
[Loud mutic.
And careful of my good :— by the loud music,
As ycm guvc order for lii* entertainment,
He'd rome into the hou^e. Two long hours since,
The colonel !i, commissioners, and captains,
To pay h Im all the rites his worth can challengej
Went to wait on him hitlier.
Efil^r MALFfOBT, Montaigne, Chamont, LanouRi
MoNTtiF-viLLK, TnEocniKE, Usher, Page, and
Waiting Women.
Bfuuf. seru You are most welcome.
And what I speak to you, does from my heart
Disperse itself to all,
Maief. You meet, my lord,
Your trouble.
Bmuf. sen. Rather, sir. increase of honour,
When you ore pleased to grace my bouse*
Betiuf.juiu The favour
Is doublet! on my \mn, most worthy sir,
Since your fair duughtor, my incomparable miatresSi
Deigns us her presence.
Mai^\ View her well, brave Beaufort,
But 5'et at distance; you hereafter may
Make your approaches nearer, when tlie priest
Hath nuKle it lawful : and were not she mine,
I durst aloud prookim it, Hymen never
Put on bin san'ron -coloured robe, to change
A barren virgin name, with more good! omtas
Thau at ht^ nutitifdH, l^onjk on her agmn,
Then tell me if^^she now appear the same
That she was yesterday,
BeatiJ\ sen. Being herself,
She cannot but be eicellent ; these rich
And curious dressings, which in otljers mtght
Cover deformities, from her take lustrt),
Nor crni udd to her.
(Jf ftwnvn fmr a jfiaah, Aic, Wtid, fierce, aorontrollablf Ln
his in^vivnt; Ihii 19 a Ltlisiirrs impvttm amuri§^ and it a
vtr>' »troug eaprcfttion.
46
THE UNNATURAL COMBAT.
[AcTlU^
htaUf* You conceive hn right.
And m vour mdminuofi uf her sweetoeM,
You only can deserve her, Hluth not, girl.
Thou art ahovf^ his praiMf^, or mine ; nor can
Obiicquious Flattery, though she ,*»hoii1d use
Herthou!»nd oiPd tongue* to advtnee thy worfJn
(»i\re aught, (for thnt's ini possible,) but tak« from
Thy morw than hymiin gracea; and owvti then,
\Mien fihe hath apeat heinelf with hw boat atreiigtb.
The nroRg she baa done tbee abal! beao apparentt
Thiit, losing her own servile shiipe and naiiia,
She will be thought DeiraetioQ : hut 1
Forg«t myaelf ; and something whispars to me,
I hare said too much.
Mimt. J know not what to think m\*t,
Hut there's some mystery in it^ which I fear
Will be too aoon dincoret'd,
MaltJ\ I much wrong
Your patience, noble sir* hy too much bugging
My proper i»Hue» and, tike the foolish csrow,
Believe my black brood swaiiSt
Bfauf. 1^1. llieT« needs Dotp air,
Thi^ leBst excuse for this; nay, I must bare
Your nnu, you being tlie master of tiiH feast,
And this the mistreas.
Thgiic* I am any thing
Thiit you shall tfleaiM to make ma.
BeanJ,Jwu TVay, 'tisyoitn,
Without more romptimettt.
Mtmt*, Your wilFs a \aw, sir.
[T^ud mmick. Eji*i4nt BeaujWt tenwr, Mairfort,
Thtiirriif^, htfjufirrtjuniar, Montaigne, Chatmmtf
Lanour, Matftrftifff*
t'^h. Would I had been Ijom a lortl I
1 W,m. Or I n liuly !
Pugr. It may he you were both begot in court,
Thoug:h bred up in the city ; for your motliers,
As 1 have heftru, loved the luhby ; and there, nightly
Are seen Scmnge ap|mriuori« : and who knows
But that some noble fuiin, heated with wine,
And cloy'd witli piiitridge, had a kind of longing
To trade in spratji ? this needs no exposition :^
But ran you yield a reason for your wiahea?
{^»h. Why, had I been born a lord, I had been
no servaot. [vroiters,
1 Wom^ And whereas, now necessity makes us
We had been attend etl on.
t Wtfm, And nns^ht Imve slept then
Ajs longas we pleniMni. and fed when we had stomiicba,
And worn new t lothtfN, iu»r lived, as now, in hope*
Of a cast gown, or petticoat.
Pa^0. \ ou are fooU,
And ignornnt of your happiness. Ere I was sworn
To the pitntoflet, I hare heard my tutor
Prove it hy logic, that a servant's life
Wji* bptter than his master's and by (bat
I learn 'd from him* if that my memory fail not,
rit make it good.
C$k Proceed, my little wii
Ih ducinw itt tOt
l*tt^* Thus tlwa : from the king
To tlie beggar, hy gmdntion, all are aerrants ;
• Mmt.] So ihe old copy * It matt, however, be m mJAUke
Iter Theoc, Of rathvr, ptrttJipa, for Maltji
♦ ■ — Ar» / itiM
llwom to the paniirflr.} L c, ukrn mim sttruiling In the
portrr'i I*m1«v, (which tvvm% to hsve been the irpi dmeof
»enUiidirj to wait on Tlirorrlito.
And you must grant the sis very is leaa
To study to please one, than many.
V»h, Yrue. [p^l
Pugf, Well then ; and first to you, air, you ««»•]
You serve one lord, but your k»rd serveaa thimsaad,
Besides his fiossions, that are his worst maateta ;
You must humour him. and be is bound lo aooth
Every grim sir above liim* : if he firown.
For the least neglect vou fear to los*» your place ;
But if, and with all slavish observation, [^i^i|
From the minion's self, to the groom of kia c l o a t-l
He hourly seeks not fxkvour, be is aure [i(t.l
To be eased of his office, though f>erhap« be bought I
Nay, more : that high disposer of all such
That are subordinate to him, serves and leiars
Tlw fynr of the many -headed monster.
The giodr multitude : and, as a bora«
la sill) ft Dorse, far all his golden trspptngs.
So your man of purchased titles, at tJheir bMl, art
But serving men in rich lireriea.
V§h, Most rare inftot!
Where lettmiriil thou this moral tti' »
Pagv. Whv. thuu dull pate.
As 1 told rliee, of my tutor.
1 Warn, Now for us, boy-
Pa^, I am cut ofl": — ^the governor.
£iiKt Bcaufort aemar, and Beau ronr Jitnior ;
tettirig forth a ban^tut^
Beauf. ttH, Quick, quick, sirs^
See nil things perfect
Serv, Let the bhune be ours else*
Beat/. Mil. And, as I siiid, whan wo are at the
banquet.
And high in our cups, for 'tis no feaat without it,
Kspeciidly among soldiers ; Theocritie
lieing retired, as that a no place for her.
Take you occasion to rise from ilie tablf.
And lose no opportunity.
Bmuf.jun. Tts my purpose ;
And if 1 can win her to give her heart,
I htive a holy man in readiness
To join our hands; for the odminil, her Esther.
Repents him of his grant to me, and ooems
So far transported with a strange opinion
Of her fair features, that, should we defer it,
I think, ere long, he will believe, and strong^l^.
The dauphin is not worthy of her : I
Am mucb amazed wifh'ti
Beauf. urn. Nay, dispatch there, fellows.
[Einmt Bmufortsenwra^itd Bmufortjmniifr,
Strtu We are ready, wfieo you please. Street
format, vour pardon !
It htti been sucli a buity time, I could aot.
Tender that CTiremonious refijwct
Which you desen-e ; but now, the ^rtat wtvrk
i will attend the leaa, and with all care [ettU«<i,
Ohserva and jenreyon. _
■kfi»kmmdtP96^th
f>- > 'thttvf him .] €rim fir, Mr. Dodnlrjr tnjii
dlci- iM trim -ir! for thin he Itbonomrfil viUhtlM
s||i]]r< I xfUr ; ttiousli nutblitc r^ia 1>e miiHrr crritln
Ihin tttjt il4t: oM rcarltni! l4 rlEhr. SkclUHi cjiU* VI ntirT «
grim tirp, aail Pktchrr hat a tlniiljir nprrwiuEi lu tA* A'^tftxr
Bretkrr ;
*• fVir*|r. It li a fiiith
Th*l wt Vii\] 411" if) ; iiiice from ihr t*1flvk|«4r4
To Ihf prim air in i\^ee, lbrr% are ft w
Hold othrr iriicli."
t Swtti fi*rin«, Ac] Thi» U i fwliry p)*y nn wurdi. Tb»
fimm mesni Uy \\\v M-niiiiU, trc the knf bcneluM on wirich
the Knc*ti wt'te lo «jt. The (Hie pedsiitry of Ibe tpasch l>
wkU rKpnvcd tiy the P«|e.
IIJ.]
THE UNNATURAL COMBAT.
4?
Fmgm, This i» • peim*d jipee^h,
rvM M m perpetual preface to
nr madfi or fragiaeots.
Utk, W# ir«it on tou.
[Ei^uiit.
SCENE III. — Thtnme. A Banquet Mftfitrth,'
MuMtCn Enter BEJurroar tentar^ MALEronT^
Ml*?rrA»vv, CoAMOXT, La!«ol'a, Beaufort JuHMir,
MofrrmiTiLtK, aiwC Serraat«,
BtotiiA im. Von are not menr, »ir.
MmUf, Ym. my good lord«
Yoa iMV'Pi^wn IM ample meaos to drown oil cares ; —
AjmI y> ^ i-ib 4tn»^ tJiou^bu, wbich I would
IfclntT i^trov. [Aiidt.
Mm* 'ij . '- r. Vr^Y you, takp your place.
Mamutf, jHn. Aii^ drink a health ; and let it be,
if you plrase.
X<> fifc© ^rorthiest of women. Now observe him.
Mmi^. Give tne the bowl ; «iuce you do me the
I wnl\ tH^ffin it. [Ijonour,
Chmm. May we know her name, sir ? [qu(^en's,
Mati^m You fibfil) ; I will not choose a fon^ign
ilf«e jttC «ur own, for rhat would relish of
TilHB0 flatteiy ; nor do their height of title, [nesi.
Or abiaolute power, coniinn their wortli and g^ood-
TUeae b«uig^ hearerrs jfifts. and frequently coofenr'd
On aoch aa are beneath them; nor will I
KiSDe tlie king'a miatreaa, howsoever ^hu
Itt bis ma,Umm may carry it , but if I«
A« anus gir«a liberty, may use my freiMlom«
Hot awaj'd thia way or tJiat, with confiilenoe,
*" 'ltd I will inake it good on auy e(|uii],)
it eauat be to ber wboae outward form
b»tf»r*d by the beauty of her mmd,
larval not (liat with justice can pretend
iniervat to tlii^ so sacred healU).
aaj hir dauifhter. Jlo ilmt only tloubts it,
do froniQiuice a villain : this to her. then.
IDrittki.
UmL Wbat may we think of this ?
Bmwf* am. It matters not.
ItfsL For my part, I wiU aooth him, rather than
Dfww OD a qttarrel *,
CA«ai, It in the aafeat course ;
Aad one f mean to follow*
Bmuf. JuHs h luu li^one mund, sir. lExiL
M^hf. Now yon have dune her right ; if there
Worthy to aeoond tliia, propose it boldlvt [be anv
I m yoor |»l«dge.
Bmm/. am. I^a pause h«te, if you pleaaei
Aikd entertain th* time with sumeiliing else.
llaaif thitre ! in some bfty strain ; the aong too
j Tkat I >r«Te order for; the new one, calKd
r TV StitiL^*M />e%Af. [Muiic nnd a tang.
J&attr BauiaftOB In nrmonr, a euu of' carhina hi^
hi§ tide*
JMf. WI10 atopa me now J
Or who daraa oniy aay that I appear not
la iJba moat rich and glorious habit that
^ a miD complete I What ooart ao set off
P-Tviv — • ,rm^TwJ,\ Tlllt baa bilhcrto becD printed,
ihmm as m a i t fti n af, CktmoM ; 11111 the avst fpe<cli fivrn
•• lf«Hlfr»lllK. It I* oat vrry prtttuMe iIijiI ibt iMtvr
t^tmM frpi* to sa «4HH<nr«lkio «d(irmcil u> CtianiiiDi, wfMt
^kam h* Qurt mat «p]Wftr tu bv fmttiUmf : and! I)cslu<.'«i. tbt
«f maifg aeetti lu prove ili«t ibe n^me lum »llpt fruni
—ilne llac tuiu the text uC tJiU.
With state and ceremonious pomp, hut, lliito
Accoutred, I may enter? Or what feast,
Thou|;h all tlie element;} at once were mmsnck'd
Til storp it with vuriety traniireriding
llie curiouHuess and co^t on rmjun'a hirihdiiy ;
(Where princes only, and confederate Lingd, '
Did sit m ^estii, served and nttendeil on
By the timiutor^ of B^me ), at which • a ^ddieri
In tliij* hiN astural and proper shajie,
Mif^hr not, and boldly, fill a seat, and by
Hisj presence make the great solemnity
More honoured and remarkable }
Btituf. ten, Tis acknowledged ;
And thitf a grace done to me iniexjiecied.
Mont. But why in armour i
Mah-f. Whai'ii the mystery !
Pray you, reveal tluit.
fBr^. Soldiers out of action.
That ver)' rare • • • •
• • • • but, like unhidden siie^ts^
Brinj? thpir stoot-i with them, for their own defence |,
At raurt should feed in gauntlet:*, they mny have
Thf-ir Ijujijer.^ cut else : tJifcre your curpel kni||^htS|
1 bat never churned beyond a mistress* tips.
Are afill most keen, and valiant. But to yt»u,
Wliom it does moiSt concern, my lord, I will
Address my speech, and with a solidier^a freedom
In my reproof, return the bitter scoff
You threw upon my |>overty : you contemn 'd
My coarser out^iide, and from tnat concluded
• -- ml which a mldirr ike] Tlie old etf^y
readi, tat with * mUiWr. Hie emeiuUtJui), wImlIi i« n vviy
htpyyonv, wa* ni»de by Mr. M, Mjii^tii. Ttic ciirrii|jtlci'ii la
t»MU\ ^cci>unit.<<l for; ihc printer tniatouk llie ■econd ft^uen-
IhrsU Turin «, «ii<t havlti^ kIvi'Ii mt for af«, was oblit^i'd tu
aller lh«> next wurd, lo inJikr miiw of iIm> line. TIuja vvlll
be ancle r«l«j4irl ■! once by ■ referente to iho quarfo, where
Uie Gir»t pirnillieiiji ouly appear*, which VfM ihere/ore
mriitled by the (iiccc-pdiiiij^ cfliior*. 1 km>w not HhctL- Mh»-
lioger foftail thi» auec4otc of Tr^ijaD : he wa«, i ml ceil, »
itiA^DiAceDC, Kiiili, im »ume cA»*'^t mh iMt«DtAiki>n>t f^«riacr ;
bat DcJiher his pride, nor his pnirlern-e, I Ivlleve, wmM
have alluwcHj ibr " fciiAliviiii of RoiriL'" lo it^i^riide lUviu
H'lvei by wAiiing on Ibe ulllcn of ihi? rcptibitc
f "Belg. Soldirrtjimt of actum.
That very tare, • • • • • ^
* * • • « All/, Wte wOnddfn ifw^U
Brinff thfir Mttttdt with thrm^ &c,\ So I hjive viiUttitrd ta
Eriiii Lhifi pa»aag«, bclof pvnaaded that a line U U««t. Tliv
rcak^ C'innot b« hikd op, bat tbv M.'ii»e mlgbt he, S&tdWta
out of actum, that v^ry rarrijf Dorl se^tf reitfrvcd lur thcin,
h e. are liiviie<t, hit, like, ^c How the modern ectltiit *
uadrratood thi* piiBMgi' I know not hnl, they aU five U fliii».
Bv\!g,. ,S0ldiert out qf action, ^_
Thai fiery rare, hut like unAid^len ffuetta ^«
Hrittg Ac.
ThiA cQiiomof giieirr!!, who an* unlnviitt'd hnii^ln^ ihrlr
*CNti wilhibein], i> rrei(Utfiilly referred to byourultl wrllera :
«o RowJey :
If'id^w. What cupcmateS fbU tronr ? WIk* let biin in !
JanHs. By thU light, a f el tow of an vicrlliMit lirt'tHUus;
he came unlfiddeni^aitd brtmaht hi§ tto*^ vith Aim.
I — for their ovm dt^femee,
At cmtrt th^tmtilfeed in gunnlleti, ih^ mag htrv$
Tk^r Jinffert cut elte H''re I* th* bon-mot fw which
Quia w;tJi M> mnrh cclebraterl thftt "at eity feaita It «.k«
aeltt»<:r tafe nor umdent to help one'« %v\t without a bd^kel-
Hiln-cl kiilfe," MaidJDver 501 It, I iuppoje, from HarcUjr'*
tettmd Eclttgwf, which luu
it MA!) HriiiV-n:
•etttnd EciitffMf, which bu jtnrat inerii lor th«* time in wliuL
]f tlJt ■1ish«> t«B pleaMuiil eyiher 11fj>he or tithe.
Ten bdjidc* at «HMe twinne in the di»lie — —
To pnl there thy handrs In p*-ril i^illiout faylcj
Without a j/auntUtt or eh n ytvve t\f tpajfU ;
Among 4II tbcMe knivc«, ihtxi one of bftth mu*t have,
Or els it i» li»rde Iby t\ns,er4 to •aii'*',"
Where Barclay foond tt, I cannot tell i bai there If «nniething
of the kinri in Diofenc* Lacrtiaa. " There U ptitkLiiK new
tin iter the «mn f "
4B
THE UNNATURAL COMBAT.
[ActHL,
f As by your groom you madi* me tind«ritind)
1 was unworthy to tit nt yotir table.
Among tJaeie tissues und i*ml>rot(leri«^9»
UnlMt I cbuged my habit : t liav<? done it.
And ebow myself in that which f have worn
In the best and ferrour of a bloody fight ;
And then it was m Ai«hioti, not us now,
liidtculou*! and d^^spis^d. Thiji hath piiirt through
A wood of pikes, and evpry one aim*d At it.
Yet scom'd to tijte impression from their fury : ]
Willi ihiH, m atill you aee it, fresh and n^w. '
Fve charj;ed tlirough fire that would have sin^d
vour sables, [colour
Blocl fox, and ormines, and changed the proud
Of scarlet, though of the rg-ht T>Tnan die, —
But now, as if the trapping^a made the man.
Such only are admireo tliat oomo ndom'd
Witb whst'8 no jiart of them. This ii mine own.
My riehost suit, a suit 1 must not part from,
But not reis^iirded now : and yet re7neml>Rr,
'Tis we that bring you in tli© means of fi^astn,
linnqueta, and re^eU, which, when you possess.
With barbaroua ingratitude you deny us
To he made sharers in the hanreat, which
Our sweat and industry reAp*d, and sow*d for you.
The silks you wear, we wit^ our blood spin for vou ;
This massy plate, that with the ponderous weiglit
Does make your cupboanls crack, we (utiaifn|fhti»d
With tempests, or tho long and tedioun way,
Or rireadfui monsters of the deep, that wait
Witb open jaws still reatly to devour us,)
Fetch from the other world, l^t it not Uinn,
In after ages, to your shame be spoken,
That vou, with no rwlentmg eye*, look on
Our wanu» that feed your plenty : or consumcn,
In prodi^l and wanton gim on drone^i.
The kingdom's treasure, y<^t detain from us
The debt that with the hazard of our lives.
We haye made you «tand engaged for ; or force us.
Agiiinst all civil govemmpnt, in armour
To re(]uirfl tijat, which with dl willingnesa
Should h« tender 'd ere demanded,
Emuf. ten. I commend
This wholesome sharpneaa in you, and prefer it
Before obsei^uioua tameneas ; it shews lovely :
Nor Bhiill the rain of your good counfsel fall
Upon thi^ barren sunds, but spring up fruit*,
Such as you long have wish'd for. And the reat
Of your profe:isioR, like you, disc'ontented
For want of means, aliall in their present payment
Be hound to praise your boldness : and hereafter
I will take order you shall have no cHUse,
For want of change, to put your armour on,
But in the face of an eueroy ; not as now,
Among your friendii. To that whitb is due to yon,
To furnish you like yourself, of mine own bounty
III ttdd five huftdreif crowns.
Chtim, I, to my power,
Will fallow the example.
Afdfi^ Take this, captain,
*Tis all my present store ; but when you pleue,
Commund mi* further.
htn. I could wish it more.
Belg. This is the luckiest jeat ever came from me.
Let a soldier ujie no other scribe to draw
The form of his petition* This will s]j«ed
When your thrice-humble supplieerions.
With prayer» fur increase of heilth and bonourt
To their grave lord ships, shall, as soon •■ rend.
Be pocketed up, the cause no more reiDe!inber*d ;
When this dumb rhetoric — Well, I have n E&«
Which I, in thankfuLneaa for your great (nroota,
My noble lords, when you please to oommaDd it.
Must never think mine own. Brckker, be hapf^fi
These golden birda fly to thee. iLnL
B€auf, ifn. You are dull, air,
And seem not to be taken with the paasage
You saw presented*
MaUf, Pasaage I I observed none.
My thoughts were ebewhere buaiad. Ha * i^ it
In danger to be Io«t, to be lost for ever.
If speedily I come not to her rescue.
For so my genius tella me.
Mmitr, What chimeras
Work on your fantasy 1
Makf, Fantasies ! they are truths.
Where ia my Theocrine f you have plotted
To rob me of my daug^hter ; bring me to h«sr.
Or V\\ call down the saints to witness for me,
Von are inhospitable,
Heauf. im, Vou amaze me.
Your daughter's safe, and now 4»xchanginfr ecmrtsbi^
With my aon, her semmt*. Why do you bear ihu
With such distracted looks, since to that end
Vou brought her hither 1
Mokj\ Tis confessed I did ;
hilt now, pray you, pardon me; and, if yon pleise,
Kre she delivers up lier irirgin fort,
1 would ohserve what is the art be uses
J n planting his artillerj against it :
She ii my only care, nor must abe yield.
But upon noble terms,
Hmuf, «7i, 'Tis so determined.
Maiif. Yet 1 am jealous,
WoMf. Overnitich, 1 fear.
What passions ure these]
lieattf, ten. Come, 1 will bring you
Wlier<« you, with these, if tfiey so plenset fomy SM
Th*» love-sceno ncted.
Montr. There is something more
I'hon fatlierly love in this.
Mtmt. We wait upon you. [£feipvt
SCENE IV,— Another Hoam in BcAifrnirr's HtfMitf,
Enter BnAuronT junior ^ ami TucocBlK^
Beauf.Jun. Since then you meet my flLsmet with I
equal ardour.
As you profess, it is your bounty, nuBtress.
Nor must I call it debl ; yet *tis youj glory.
That your excess supplies my want, and niakea &ie
Strong in my weakness, which could newer ba.
But in your good opinion.
Thcoe, You teach me, air,
What I should say ^ sinoe from jour mn of frrotir,
I. «.
r II to
■prt»^ it|». Thi» »i*ti*e of Uw wonl i«rfkinlllar tA MawlBsfr
and Ki" roiitcm|H»r4rli(;»,
* Yowr ibnuffktfr'i wa/tf^ amd now r^ehmtgk^ ,^_
IVUh mjf mm. her icrvant.] Strumt was at tlO* I
fnvariat)le term for ■ fuiior, wbo. ia rriarn, called the (
cif bii sddreMv*, mittnett. Thus Stilrlry, (one <
fiir Btl,)
** Brm, Whtt's the KcntletiiMti fhr turn inarri<^ f
tViMTv. A man i>r pretty fortdiw, that baf fevcn
|]cr Mfrvant tnuiy year*.
Him Hiyyr do yoo meani ^
WnmtPDly,or doe* he wrve tar w»(tef t
.Serv. Neiiher; I m^an her fiiiYor.'* '^
.]
THE UNNATURAL COMBAT.
49
Di Phce>be, in herself obecur^,
Jiat ligbt I have.
Jun. Which you retam
^ increase, nnce that yon will o*ercome»
^re not contend, were yon bnt pleased
what's yet divided one.
I hare
in my wishes ; modesty
ne to speak more.
jun. But what assurance,
without offence, may I demand,
' secure me that your heart and tongue
lake harmony.
Choose any,
our lore, msting^uiahed from lust,
nd mine to g^rant.
r, behitid, BEArroRT teniart Malsfort,
MoNTREViLLB, and tht ruL
ten. Yonder they are.
At distenoe too ! 'tis yet welL
;un. I may take then
1, and with a thousand burning kisses,
i the anchor to my hopes 1
You may, sir.
Somewhat too much.
jun. And this done, riew myself
true mirrors t
Erer true to you, sir :
they lose the ability of sight,
)y seek other object !
This is more *
in gire consent to.
jun. And a kiss
ited on your lips, will not distaste you • ?
Her lips ! [tracted ?
Why, where should he kiss ? are you dis-
jun. Then, when this holy man hath made
nrful \Bnngt in a Priest,
A priest so ready too ! I must break in.
jun. And what's spoke here is register'd
igross those fiirours to myself [shore ;
e not to be named.
All I can f^vBt
they are 1 know not.
jun. 111 instruct you.
how my blood boils !
Pray you, contain youraelf ;
his courtship's modest t*
jun. Then being mine,
Uy mine, the rirer of your lore
len and allies, nay, to yonr father,
' out of his tenderness he admires you,)
±.e ocean of your affection
e swallow'd up, and want a name,
i with what you owe me,
Tis moat fit, sir.
iger bond that binds me to you, must
U6 weaker.
1 am ruin'd, if
ot fairly off.
. Jan. And a U$$
•bUedmpomrUpBtwUinoidiaVuteifouf] L e.
iRp«.* the wofd perpetaally rccnr* in ibia mow.
ifa hit eourtah^a modmt,] For ki§ the modern
ve tkiM. Tlie change Is nnaecetMry. Tbe neat
Mr. Ollchrlat itlMerres, bean a distant resemblance
soonet or Daniel to DeUa :
t bonadlesie ocean oC thy beantie
this poor rWer, charf'd with itrearoee of aeale,
»g thee the trtbnte or my dalle.
»ere my lore, my troth, my plaints revealc."
Jieauf, ten. There's nothing wanting
But your consent.
Malef, Some strange inrention aid me !
This ! yes, it must be so. [A$ide
Montr, Why do you stagger,
When what you seem'd so much to wish, is offer'd.
Both parties being agreed too * ?
Beauf, $en, I'll not court
A grant from you, nor do I wrong your daughter.
Though I say my son deserres her.
MaUf. Tis far from
My humble thoughts to underralue him
I cannot prize too high : for howsoerer
From my own fond indulgence I hare sung
Her praises with too prodigal a tongue, !
That tenderness laid by, 1 stand confirm 'd
All that I fancied excellent in her.
Balanced with what is really his own.
Holds weieht in no proportion.
Montr, New tummgs 1
Beauf, ten. Whither tends this ?
Malef'. Had you obserred, my lord.
With what a sweet gradation be woo'd.
As I did punctually, you cannot blame her.
Though she did listen with a greedy ear
To his fair modest offers : but so great
A good as then flow'd to her, should hare been
With more deliberation entertain'd.
And not with such haste swallow'd ; she shall fiiit
Consider seriously what the blessing is.
And in what ample manner to give dianks fbr't.
And then receire it. And thoueh I shall think
Short minutes years, till it be perfected f,
I will defer that which I most desire ;
And so must she, till longing expectation,
I'bat heightens pleasure, makes her truly know
Her happiness, and with what outstretcn'd arms
She must embrace it.
Beauf. jun. This is curiousness
Beyond example %.
MaUsf. Let it then begin
From me : in what's mine own I'll use my will.
And yield no fiirther reason. 1 lay claim to
The liberty of a subject. Fall not off,
But be obedient, or by the hair
I'll drag thee home. Censure me as you please,
I'll take my own way. — O the inward fires
That, wanting rent, consume me !
[Exit witJi Theocrine.
Montr. 'Tis most certain
He's mad, or worse.
Beauf, ten. How worse § ?
* Both partiee being agreed too ?] The dd copy gives this
hemistich to Beaafort Jauior, and is probably riebt, as Male-
fort had by this time interposed between the lovers. Tbe
alteration is by Coxeter. For to, which stands in all the
edit ions, I read too. 1 1 should be observed that oar old writers
nsaally spell those two words alike, leaving the sense to be
diicuvered by the context (omitted In edit ISIS).
f tUl it be perfected,] The old orthography was
per/Uted, M mode of spelling mnch better adapted to poetry,
and which I am sorry we have saffered to grow obsolete.
X Beaaf. JQO' 7'Ats <« cnrioosness
Befond exampte.] I. e. a refined and orer serapaloos con-
sideration of the subject. So the word is frequently applied
by oar oh! writers. (It ocears again in the " Parliament of
Love," Act. 1, sc4; and in the Worlcs of TyodaU. folio
p. 07, I find the folk>wlng apposite illostratlon of thU ex-
pression, " Be diligent, therefore, that those be not deceaved
with citriouenee. For me of no small repntation hare been
deceaved with their ownc sophistry."— Ed.)
i Beaaf. sen. HowwareeT] This sboit speech It ao(
appropriated in the old copy. Dodalcy gives it to the pres«aC
E
THE UNNATURAL COMBAT,
ActIV.
Montr* Nny, there I leare you ;
Mj thoughts ftra frfvj.
Bmuf.jun. Thia I forB«»w.
Bmij^. im. Take comfort,
He shjin wmllc in clatid«, bat IH diecorer him
And he ftball And iinil (eeU if be excuwe om.
And with strong reasons, tJiij ^roM mjuxj,
I cfta make use of my authority. [ I
ACT IV,
SCENE I, — A Room in MalkfobtV Houm*
Enter Mjilefoiit.
What flames are these my wild d<*8ijre» fun in me 1
The torch that fceda them wa» not lif^hted at
Thy altars, Cupid ; vindicate ihyself,
And do oot own it ; and coo firm it rather,
Thnt thia infernal brund, thut turns me cinders,
Was hy the suake-huir'd 8i4ters Lhrowu into
My ^Ity bosom. that 1 was ever
Acrurs*d in htiving^ i!isu4« ! my sou'h bloody
rrbal like the poboa*d shirt of Hercules
urows to each part about me,) which my hate
Forced from him with much wiUingnese^ may admit
Some w«^ak defence \ but my most impiotu love
To my fair daughter Theocriue, none ;
Sinoe my affection (rather wicked lujt)
That does Tiuraue her, is a greater crime
Than any detestation, with whir b
I tbouUl afflict hor innocence. With what oumuiig
1 hare betmyM myself*, and did not feel
The ftcorchiog beat tliat now with furv rage* I
Why was 1 tender of her t cover'd with
That fond disguise, this mischief stole u}Km me.
1 thought it no offence to kiss ber oiWo.
Or twine mine arms about ber softer nvck i.
And by false sbsdowa of a iBther'e^ kindneai
I long deceived myself : hiat now the effect
la too apparent. How I strove to be
In her opinion held the worthiest man
In courtship, form, and fttature ! envying him
That was preferr'd before me ; and yet then
My wishes to myself were not disicover*d»
But still my fires iocreaaed, and with delight
I would call her mistreta J, williiigly forgetting
The name of daughter, choosing rather she
Should style me lerraiit, than^ with reverence,
fotber ;
speaker. mkJ U evkdently rif^ht. M. M»oo ttXkmt CktatUif,
who givM it to n« une !
« ffl/A what cutming
i ham befraiffd m)/»elf, ^c.] Gifford, in the wliiitm of
ISll, remuia o« ll^u ipc«ch Uiat il U a clme tnnilnilim uf
flbe dcwiiplloB of tbe faltl p«Mlan of Byblii^ by Otid. to
wihoni 1 niBit reffrr ibe readier for \hi& pjdnUd t)BM««i.—
Nttsnorpli, Lib. la. 4fiO.— F.i> )
f Ot twHu iNJJM amw about her iufler nec&n\ i. e. her soft
litfcJk; our old poets freqarnlly afio^^l, and iud««d iwhh fill-
gttbr good ta«ie, iht cumparativr fur tlu' p^iaitivc, Thii»^ Jo
s very pretty paiuge la the Vomitat <\f Lote and Friend*
M4fr, by R. Mead :
•* Wlien I fbnU iH circled wlibln yoar amif't,
How flt>aU 1 ca»l a bieaiish on yofar taonoiir.
And appear oa«-ly like aome /almr fioiH.',
Placecl in a tiog of gujd, wliich grow* a Jt wi-l
But frocB tbe *cal wbkh holds Ll t"
And Indeed Maialcicer hiniKlt furiiithet namcrofii fnatancet
of tkii pnu'ilctt ; utic occufi Jimt brlow :
" — 'Which your j/ifiZ/rr icmpcr,
On my *utnniwM>n, 1 ho[*t, wlli pdnlon."
Another wc ttave Already Ii»t1, in /W rir^nJ/arryr .-
*♦ Jitdjc not my readier will In tli* event,*'
1 / Wimld call htr roiHreat, &e*l See aott to Act Ui, ac 4.
awe*
Yet, waking, I ne'er cheriih'd obieefktt liopM*«
But in my troubled alumbera often t^tigbt
She wiLs too near to me, and then sleeping blMili*4
At my imagination ; which pasa'd,
(My eyes being open not condemxiiiiif it,)
I waM ravishM witn tbe pleaaure of the dram.
Yet apite of thesie tejoptatioDS I have reaaon
That pleads againat them, and eommiind:& me to
Extioguiah these abominable fires ;
And I will do it ; I will aend ber back
To htm tliat loves her kwfiiUy. Within theie!
Enter TifEocarxE.
Th§oc, Sir, did you call !
Muief. I look no *ooner on ber.
Mtilef.
But all my boaatiKl power of retason !«&▼•& in^
And piaaioa ag;ain uaurps her empire*
Doei none elee wait me ?
Thioe* I am wretched, sir.
Should anv owe more duly t
Malef. Thia is worse
Than dijobwlience \ leave me.
Timtc. On ray kneea, air,
As I have evt-r squared my wiU by joori,
And liked and loathM with yooreyee, I b w e o hyoi
To tench me what the nature of my fbttll if*
That huth inrensed yoy ; sure 'tis one of weekneaa
And not of malice, which your gentler lemper,
On my submission, I hope, will pnrdoti :
^^^ltcn rraiited by your piety, if that I,
OtJt of UiB least neglect of mine hereefter,
Make yon rem em bur it, may I sink ever
Under your dread command^ sir-
Male/. O HIV stars !
Who can but ^oat on this humility, [twf ,
That 3wi*et*»ns Lovely in her teaw ! ^The <it- j
That seem'd to lessen in their weight but now U
But this ^row heavier on me.
• Yet wakine, t m'rr cheritJk'd abmms Ae|wa,l TW* «M
copy reads »7 miM-ktiifSr^ir tbif b« tiK sru«i«« wurd, ii
miut mean " uittvtiiltAtiiiiding my wanton abuK of Ibe IrriM |
D»eatik4iii-4 atK»vt.s I never dierbhed/' Ac, ltit» la errtatiily
not dcferlive in it dul- ; bni the re»t at tbe tcnienoK c«tU m J
liimlly iov waJkinji, ihni I h4ve not acnipldl DO inavrt it ia
tiie text ; tht^ lormption. at tbe preM, wt» SelicieMly am^*'
f Malef. O mif BtarM f
frA« can 6wf doat on tki» hvmaUtw,
. Th0t weftm* Ltnxig in her tettrt ' rhmftOfm^
7%H mem'd I0 l*9»i*n Ia their wntfht but laciw,
Stf thit ijrntttf hettvier on fw.] So 1 v«nmre 10 piilBt tit '
paniage : it t> vbiupt, and dcinruet th« di^txarted stair of (M j
apvabrr's mind. U nand» thui in Mr. Itf. Ma«i« :
Matef. O mg atar§ f whfi cm hut doat mt thh hmmOkf
Thai •wi^tfH* ^ lovely in her team} theMimn
That tern A !« leeeen kft. their weight ; hat mem
By: ifiiB orate Artiwer on me.
CoMeivr fuiluw* llie old coplet, which oqIj differ I
In |iUeiti£ a note of Ititcrrngqtioci after
cvideBtly wrung, becante aalttieUiiglbU.
Tbe rewlrr nanai not Iw larprised at tbe 1
wWck beeiat tbe qtiiAalkm frooi Mr. M. Haacw. KelBbttf
he, nor Coxeter. nor Dodalvy, lecma tO bavt had ll« ■
wjliciiadc (1 will not i«v kiMrarlwlBe) icepcctlat Ibt mteue ,
Df tb«ir author: and MaaalDMr, Vtm mail baiinnatiiae •( 1
Sttst appearip in tbdr detttUory pifet« aa aataDcakiv P
ftTRton or Donoe* I
li^
filK UNNATURAL COMBAT,
M
D«ur sir.
P*«cef
jt hear the«.
for look on ma ?
J words ife eKflinii.
\gj they hmw9 power thrti
f tamped of your wmib ! AIm, iir^
, JHOW in wbttt I pive oflSmee,
])CijitAn<Mfi I wouM show mr sorrow
: U past, and, iu my care fiereufti^r,
XCuioD, or e^AsA to b« ;
1^ without your far oar, ii to m6
WQ^Id cast ofll
O that my lii*art
It in ftunder, that I mffbt expire,
• in my death buried • ! yet I know not, —
ih pievjiilmp oratory 'tis bejr^M (rom. the,
|«ny thee would conviiee me to
ik'd tbe milk of li^ra : rise, and I,
i pirplex'd And myaterious method,
Le reUtioi) : Thvit which lU tbe world
«nd c^ea up in tfiee for per^tiona,
nbtppy me rout blemiAbes^
cts in nature. If thou hodet been bom ^
i and crooked in the fe itures of
f, aa the mannt^rs of tby rainid ;
p'd, flat-nosed, dim-ev«dtand beetk-brow'd
warfi itature to a pan^B waiat ^
■th*d, with cluwa for rtngara on thy hindg,
it«d, gouty-legs^'d, tnd ov^er all
nno lepro«y haii emread itself,
la that ahunn'd of ham*m fellowiJiipa ;
n bleat
Vfhj, would yoa wiah a monat«r
h • mm, orweam, you faifft dtoaerited)
Rather than as now^
I had drowti'd iliee for it in tbe aea,)
Lg, aa thott doat, a new Pandora,
Do'a fui cow-ayaaf, Minerva's brow,
bluahing eheeks. Hebe's fre«h yr^uth,
oft papa, with llietis' silver feet.
Sir, joo hara liked and loved them,
ioroa(l(h
und
wtt Ui mv d*ath ImHed *] v«'t [ i
I «fiyrr|»riiil. iliAi tiH Intt'^Hiunt jm '-
Kt«!4l, Ap )lii» i^asmfv b«tliti«en till 1.
to be pud«nli.MiJ,
» aptryiex'4 and m^aterhv* mettmdt] Wtt bave
id \M* e%pte**kon trvm Xbt iQU t
t a perpln'd ftmn and mHh«d/' Ac. Act li, we.. K
bf e4D inor« •iroajrly evpre** tbi- chiracUT iM iIua
m fadtcr^ wliove crlmet were too horribk f*»r hi^
vftm^ mnd ^Umc wubtrt are too Sti;lli(}u« for Ui§
e lisaf •
q» hai»i «Mi> Aon*. &c.] TbtfA in Khtff John :
hun, Uiat Mil'st me be content wert KfiiQp
v^ naA »Uad't%>ii* to thy uiother s womb,
. tin{ ti]«rk>i
u itc.) Tbifjc limri of Mm*-
i>,j.i>l4ilDU from a pretty Gntek
(X*«c HpiJC. MiXirij, rftc X"P«f Aeiyvijc
DOMD,
, Vi.t\.r bMf a Aorry kind of ao ip-
> •ver wil be wheD rbe
iitcmJIiy sp^tkU to
k /.^ ■:. ; mi.
With your hyperboles of praise ponr*d on them,
My modesty to a defensive red, [pleosed
StTBw'd o'er that pateiveaa, which you th«?n were
To style the purest white.
Makf, And iu that cup
I drank the poison I now feel dispersed
Through every rein anil artery. Wherefore art ^bou
So cruel to me 1 lliis thy outward Mhape
Brought a fierce war against me, not to be
By flesh and bbod resisted : but to leave ma
No hope of freedom, from the ma^^ine
Of thy mind's forces^ treacherouKly thon drew*st up
Auxiliary helps to strooj^thea that
Which was already to iti^elf too potent.
IHiy beantj gave the Br«t charge, but thy duty,
Seconded with thy care and watchful studies
To please, and ^erve my will, in all that might
Raise up corrtent in me, like thunder brake th rough
All oppoaitioQ ; and, my rank* of rouon
DiA banded, ray victorious passions fUl
To bloody i^xecution^ and compelled me
With willing hand a to tie on my own chains ,
And, with a kind of flattering joy, to glory
Jn my captivity,
Theoc, I, in this von ipeak, lir.
Am iguoranee itself*
MaieJ\ And so continue ;
For knowletlge of the arms thou henr*st agsinat me,
^Vould make the© curse thyself, but yi*'ld no aid,-!
For tliee to help me , and 'ti^ ere cruelly
In me to wound that ipotless innocence,
HoweVr it make me guilty. In n word,
Thy plurisy • of goodness is iby ill ;
Thy virtues vices* and thy humble lownesa
Far worse tlian stubborn Mullennesa and pride ;
1 by looks, that raW^h all beholders else.
As killing; as the bosiliak's, thy tears,
Eipress'd in sorrow for tbe much I suffer,
A glorious insultatioa t, *nd no sign
Of pity ill iliee : and to hear tboe Hpeak
In thv defence, though but in wdent action,
\Vouid make the hurt, already deeply fenter'd.
Incurable : and therefore, aa thou ivouldst not
By thy presence raise fresh furies to torment me,
I do conjure tliee by a father'^ power,
(And 'tis my curse I dare not tliiuk it lawful
To a lie unto thee in a nearer nimie,)
Without reply to leave me,
Theec. My obedience
Ni^ver learo'd yet to question iTiur commandS|
But willingly to Ber\'e them ; yel I must,
Sim*? tliat your will forbids* the knowledge of
iMv fault, lament mv fortune. [Erit.
Malej: O that 1
Have reason to discern the better way.
And yet purane the worse } ! When 1 look on her,
I burn wttli heat, and in her absence freese
With th« cold blasts uf jealousy, thai another
* 'r% pi\ih«y tj/ ifoodntM if thp lit ;] I. e. thy tupcmbiiiir
cUnce uf eu'idne** : thv ilMni|;hi li tmm Sbskaiicarc :
" For t(tKidti«>!tt ^rowliiK to M piuriaff,
0iei ki hlB uwn tm» mncb/'
Fur thif, the olil copy read* the ; it li, bowevcr, Ma virMeet
error of ihc pieM>.
^ A g\t}rium ifuuttation,} nird in the seme of gloriomtM,
Stt nij««f ii> Act. i, «, I.
I M-ilcf. O that I
Hare rvaKon to ili*rrm the brttrr toof ,
And^t pHtwtu! tftf worm !] This ti*d been iski ticfore bjr
w4difo metivrat jmttottu.
\
JMtricru te^pt^r.
B f
5«
THE UNNATURAL COMBAT.
lActiv;
Should e cr taste tbose delighu tluit are denied me \
And which of these afflictions brings lent torture,
I hirdJy can distingauh : I a there tlieti
No mem T No ; so my trnderstttudiag- tetU me.
And that bv my cross fiiteo tt is detenmn^
Thtl I KXk both WBj* wretched.
EnUr Uflher awd Mosstueville.
I'thef. ^'otidec be wnlkit, ur,
In much vexmtion : be halh Ht'nt mj ladj.
His daughter, weepiog^ in ; but what the cause is.
Rests yet in »up[>0!<iti<)n.
Montr ^ I gxj^iHi St it,
But must be further saiiafied ; I wiU aift him
In TiriratD, therefore quit the room.
Usher, 1 am gone, air. [t'lif*
Maief. Hn ! who dLiturba me ? MoutreviUe f your
pardon,
MmtlT. Would vou could ^^rant one to yourself!
With the assurance of a fn^'nd, and yet, [i apeak it
Before it be too late» make n^pnmiion
Of the ^rOHS wro«|j your indiacrution offered
To the governor and his »on \ nay, to yourself;
For there h^pn^ uiv Horraw.
Mait}\ Would I had
No ^^reater ciiuHe to mourn, tban their displeasure *
For 1 dare justify
Mm\tr. We must not do •
All that Wf dare, W e're private, friend. 1 observed
Vonr alt«'niiions with u stridor f^ye,
F(*r];iH|b»^ ihan others ^, and, to lost* tio time
In repetition, ymir atraifge demeuuour
To your sweet daughter.
MfiUf, Would you could find out
Some other theme to treuf of.
Moutr, None but tljis;
And thi!* Vi\ dwell on ; how ridiculous,
And Riibj«ct to construction
Mafff. No more !
M^ntr, You made yourself, amazes me, and if
The frequent trials interchanppd between us
Of ip%'<? sind friendfihip, he to tlieir desert
>lsteem'U by you; m tbt^y hold weight with me.
No inwtird trt>uljle should be of n shape
So hornd to yourself, but that to me
You ittund bound to disco%'er it, and unlock
Your seeret'sl thoughts ; though the most innocent
Loud crying nins. [were
Malfj. And so, perhft[^s, tliey lire :
And thi^refore be not curious to learn that
Which, known, must make you bate me.
Mimtr. Think not to,
I am yours ill right and wrong; nor shall yrui 6nd
A rerbal friendship in me, but an active ;
And here 1 vow» f ^ball no sooner know
Wbat the disease is, but, if you give leuve,
I will apply » remedy* Is it madness \
t I am familiarly acquainted witb
* If '« mv»t not dOt &c.] Thli ai]4 the two nrxt spM^clte*
are JamhlMl eniinrly odi of mvirt by iht- nnKtrii} vdiiMrv.
II •crtn* odd lliat lfa«> iJioqIiI ai»t knuw v^bcThtT ilii-> were
prtflliDK prMf or venw
* / am/4a>HHarlf acquainted with u 4^ef>rea/i man,
Tlkai torn u>ilk ekarmt uttd htrb*] iio ila- lluc-i ^uaA in
«11 the f dUjion* : upon wtiirli Mr^ M- Mamid reuurk>» fnr
IIh* ftn«< timiv llmt \ht milre rt^uirea 4 <Ulli ffi»i dtvii^iuH.
Tlii* » well (hoii^hl of f lii bi< edillun, the L'tmatfjral
VamiHit ttjmdlt lowafH» thv eu^l nf ttir ihlrd %-tjlatnrp aud, to
>pKuk rtKKlrrjiirly, I h»vc «lrc«f1y correctH his vrrtiftcHhoa
ill it Suiulr«tJ pUrfK within ilic cuni^^M of a« many pa^eJ^;
nay, of tive Utik which ha» pAVM-il »lnc« th« enlraac« of
MoQirevide, nearlji^ a iii«firi> b4« iinck-n^oae « u«w arraayr-
A deep-read man, that can with ehanua and berbi
Restore you to your reason ; or suppose
You ore bewitch 'd ? be with more potent 2»pells
And magical rites shall cure you. Is't ii«tVMli
anjj^erl
W' ith penitence and sacrifice sppeane it :
Beyond this, there is nothing thftt I cftn
Imagine dreadful ; in your fume and fortimes
You are secure ; your impious son removecl too, ,
That rendered joo suspected to the 8t«te j
And yotir &ir daughter |
MaU^', Oh ! press me no further. [batli lip
Montr, Are you wrung there ! Wliy, whit of bcrl'
Made shipwreck of hor honour, or conspired
Agamst your life T or seal'd a contract fyith
The devd of hell, for the recorery of
Her young Inamorato T
MuteJ. None of these;
And yet, what must increase the w onder in TOV«
Bemg innocent in herself, she hath wouAded mB'f
But where, enquire not. Yet, I know not how
I am pefiuaded, from my confidence
Of your vow'd lore to me, to trust you with
My dearest secret ; pray you chide me for it.
But with a kind of pity, not insulting
On my c:ilnmity.
Montr. Forward.
Mule/, This same daughter —
Monir. What is her fault t
MuieJ. She is too fair to me.
Mufi'tr, Hal how \s this?
Mofff, And I hare look'd upon her
More tlian a father should, and langtusb to
Enjoy her as a husband,
Mttutr. Heaven tbrbid it !
Malrf, And «hm IS all the comfort you can giye me!
IVhere are your promised aids, your chariDs, your
herbs,
Yotir deep-fead sobolar^s spells and magic riles f
Can all these disenchant me T No, I must b«
My own physician, »nd upon myself
Practice a desperate en re.
Mouir. Do not contemn me :
Enjoin me what you please, w^th any hajMirl
riluiKleTtake it. Whnt means have yots pncllMd
ToqueiK'h tills hellish liret
Makj\ All 1 could think on,
But tri no purpose i und yet sometimes sbMiics
Does yield a kind of iatermis^iun to
1 he fury of the fit*
MoHtr, See her no more, the^i.
Mate/, Tis my hist refuge, and 'twas my intent.
And a^l *tis, to desire your helpr
MotitT, Command iL N^^
Mtit^f. Til us then : you have a fort, of which you
The n.b»olute lord, whrther, I pray you, bear her :
Aud that the night of her may not again
Nourish ihose flames, whtcb I feel something 1i«aen*d
By all the lies of friendship I cotijure you,
A. ad by a solemn oath you must cc«i£rm it.
That though my now calm'd passions should ra<r**
higher
Than erer heretofore, and so compel me
Once more to widib to see her ; though I as*
Persuasions mii'd wiiJj threstninga, (nay, add to it.
That 1, this failmg, should with handa li»^ld up iho*'
Kneel at your feet, and batht» them with tears
Pray*-ra or curses, vows, or imprecntions.
Only to look upon her, though at distance
You still must be obdurate.
Sc«jf» IT.]
THE UXNATURAL COMBAT
Umttr. ir it be
Yoar pleasttre, iir, tluit I «batl he unmoved^
I will cndeaTour.
Mai^. You miut «w«iar to be
Ixtexorabl^, ai you wcMild }>r«vent
Tk« j«T««ieflt iiii«obief to your friend, tbat fitte
Could throw upon bim*
Mtmtr, Well, I imII obey you.
But how the governor n ill be Aa»wer*d yet,
And 't^ maiariml, is not constdt^r^d.
Matrf, Ltftve thut to me. VU pr^tnentlr g^ive order
How you shall stttprise ber ^ b« not frigbtod with
If«r «xoli]iitiioiu.
Mmitr, he you eouitaat to
Yoar reaoluticMi, 1 will not fail
Iq what couoemj my part.
Mai^^ Be ever bleaa'd forHf [£i«itNr.
SCENE IL^^ Strett.
E.mer Be^autout Junwr, Cbamovt, tin/! Lat^ovh.
Cham. Not to be spoke wilb, soy you !
Bmuf.Jufu No*
ijatu NofTOU
Admitted to have conference wiili li«r ?
Bmt^^Jtm, NVitber.
file doors axe fiu»t lock'd up, and solirnde
Dwells rocind about them, no acce»fi allow 'd
To rrjead or ecieniy ; but
Cham, Kay, be not moved, air ^
L^t his pas«too work, luid, like a bot^rein'd horse*,
*Twin c)uick]y tire ilielf,
Bruuf. jiin« Or in bis death,
Vt'bich, for ber sake^ 'till now I have forborn,
I will r«v«nge tb** injury be butb done to
My true and bwful love^
Lan, How does your father.
Til© ^remor, relish it !
Btauf.jun, Troth, be never bad
Affedloni to the match ;; yet io hi» pity
To me, he's gone in person to bis houw^
Nor wilt he he denied ; and if be Bnd not
Strong and fair reasons, Malefort will bear from bim
In a Jciud be does not look for«
Cham, In the mean Hme,
Pray yoo put on cheerful looks*
Enfrr Moxtaicni;*
Beouf.jun. Mine suit my fortttue,
LaM. O here's Montaigne.
MiamL I nerer could have met 3^u
More opportunely. Ill not stele tbe jt-st
By my relation f ; but if you will look on
The nmleeontent Belgsrde, newly rigg'd up,
• amdi Hkt a h'^-TtiH*d 4u»rv,
TmUifuicy^ tin itM{f.] Tin* i* ftom SbftkjpraR,
" Anxvr If like
A ftaJl bot hone, wito twinit aJlow'tl bis wiy,
Seif-ni^nk iire» Mm/' Coxktss,
♦ Jn mot itale the jet*
Bw "^ rriatitm ;] L e. render It Itat, deprive it of *ert by
pRVKMii iBtiotirioo. Tbb It one of a iH^wMtid iii»taiiccB
which m%^\ \k br^a%H to pnivc ihal the true reading io
Oriff/oRtta, An. i. wt. i. !•,
Hfe. Tt
it ifi«>> br. >o« liavc beard it ;
prrve» my uurpusc, I will veiatari:
Theobald jodinottiry
< t« petnlsntiy emiai^,
With the train that follows him, 'twill be an objeei '
Worthy of your noting.
Eeauf.juM, Look you tl>e comedy
Make g'ood the prolog^ue, or tlje scorn wilt dwell
Upon yourselC
MimL I'll basard that ; observe now.
BcLGAitpa tomn out m agaihnt habii ; gtaytutUm
</iwr uilA hit *iivrd drmvm.
Stmrai voice* uithht. N»y. captain I glorious
captain !
Bttg. Fall bnck, m8c«ls '
0o you make an owl of me ! tliis doy I will
Receive no more petitions. -
Here ore bilU of all occasions, iind ull aiiei* !
If this be the pleasure of a rich suit, would f wcrt
Ap,ain in my buff jerkin, nr my nnnour !
Then 1 walk'd securely by my creditors* noses,
Kot a dog marked me ; every ofliccr slmnn'd me,
And not one lousy prison would receive me :
litit now^ as the ballad says, I am turn d gallanl.
There does not live that thing I owe a sous to,
But does torment me. A fiuibful eobler told me.
Witli his awl in Itis hand, I was behindhand with
him
For setting me upright, smd bade me look to myself* '
A sempstress too, that traded but in socks,
*Swore sbe would set a serjeaut on mv back
For a borrow 'd shirt : ray pay, and the benevolencs
TIjp governor and the states bestow VI upon me.
The city corraorantji, my money-mongers^
linve swallow*d down already ; thny were sums,
I grant, — but that I should be surh a fool.
Against my OMlh, being a csshier'd captnin.
To pay debts, though grown up to one and twenty,
Deserves more reprehension, in my ju figment.
Than a shopkeeper, or a lawyer that leads money.
In a long, dead vdcittion.
Mont* How do you like
Ilia meditntiun 1
Ch<itn» Pt^ce f let him proceed,
lietg* I cannot now go on the score for shnrue.
And where I shall begin to pawn — ay» marr)%
That is considered timely ! 1 paid for
111 is imin of yours, dsme' Estridge '/fourteenerowns,
And yet it is so light, *twill hardly past
For a tavern reckoning, unless it be
To save the charge of painting, nail 'd on a poet
For the sign of the feathers. Fox upon the fashion,
Ihat a captain cjinnot tliink himself n captain,
If be wear not this, like a fore-horse ! yet it is not
Staple commodity : tht^ne are perfumed too
O* the Roman wash, snd yet a stale red herring
*o, iodccd, It doet, an<l mmny other ihlnga ; n^one of which«
however, t^tsr any rtrlitluii i« tbc lexi, iSteevcnt, Uw, pre-
fer! weals, i^hh'h he provtf, from a virlety of Icnrntrd auiboK
rjticj, lo lacan " scjuUt, «li»pert«, tprv«d :" to inAlii: may or
tltem^ liuwwer, toil hii porpoic, he ii obliectl to gi\c an
anfaiihfal vi-raion of ihv t«xt : " Tlioiiglt mimf t{f jfttu iiBve
heard tbr ttm-y, I wilJ wprtod it yet widt-r, nml diifufec U
among the rr*t.'*\ Th<Te i« nothiii|>; of thi» in ShAlo^irnre ;
and iiid(,>ed 1 cannot avoid (ookiD^ upun ihc whc.4« <>f bU
loBlT note, a» a feeble attetnpl lu Ju^iiJy a pailp*lilif error of
tbe preu, at the ro?l f>f laefe and ten At.
The itiistakr§ «if Su-evcnt are [King^Toui, iih<1 fhonld b#
noticed. They have svduced the edluu» uf Beanitiont hmY
Pletrbvr, who havt brongbl buck Io the lexl of thtir aulbor*,
a «urrn(illu«i loug fince reitiovwl^ <jn the amhorlly (an Ibry
«av) of thr t|tMiiutli>rk* prodoced in the tiute to CWio/cifmt
S<^Vut. vil. p. 2M.
• -I paid for
ThU train tififtturi, dmme EMtrii/'yt,] i. e. 1hi« tail ,' tliers
It liitne (rumour In ihli Lively apostrophe tw the oairlclb.
THE UNNATURAL CGIiIBAT-
1%ctI7-
Would fill llie belly bBtt^T. and hurt the head bia:
And tbia is Venice gcjld ; would I hnd it again
la French crowna in my nocket ! you com-
manden,
That, hke top. hft^e no dead poys, nor can ttnm
Th** romuiis*iiry at a muater *» let me stand
For nil pxainple to you ! as you would
Unjuj your privileges, videiieet,
To My your debu, and take your letcbery grins v
To nave your iasne wftrni*d by others firw;
To be often drunk, and awear, yet pay no Ibrfeil
To tbe poor» but when you ihare with one another ;
With alj your other choice inimunitiea :
Only of tliia I serlouitly advi^ you,
Let courtier* f trip like courtiers, and your lorda
Of «iirt and dunghills mvte their woo<U »ad acres,
In reWets, aatiua, tissues! ; but keep you
Constant to cloth nud ahamoi^
MimC. Have you heard
Of such a penitent homUy "?
Beig, I am studying now
When! I shall hide myself till tbe nimotir of
My wealth and bravery vanish J : let mi* see,
There is a kind of raylting bouse not fur off,
Where I used to spend my aflemoons, among
Suburb ahi* gamesters ; and yet, now 1 tbink on't,
I hairi'' cnick'd a rin^or twu there, which they m-ide
Others to solder : No •
Enter a Bawd, and two Courtexans with two CkildrtH.
1 Court. O I have we spied you 1 [time,
Eftwti, Upon him without ceremony t now's the
Willie he's in the puying vein,
% CourL S»veyou, bnive captato!
bmuj\jitn. 'flight, how heBt«rej» I they are worse
than die- wolves to him,
Beig* Shame me not m tlie streets ; I was coming
to you*
1 CowrL O sir, you may ia public piiy fur the
You had in private. [Addling
i* Ctmrt. We bear you are full of crowns, sir,
1 Court. And thertsfore, knowing you are open-
htmded,
Before all be destroy 'd, FU put you in miad, air.
Of your young heir her^,
t Cmtrt. Here*s a second, sir.
That looks for a chdd^s portion.
That, liktm^, Kdircne disafl pAvt, nortnn cos^n
The cummifMary at a mivjritrr^j 1\\e c«illua'»i^ pmrlicef
here allnded to (at Mr. GilchriM ob5ii>nt-r<) appcir imA to
Jmvc bi'i'ti ttnrti<<)tienT, fln.rl iiiilc4*d, RirW. D'Avmant, uiib
tht9, mfationi many similar conuptiuot in ihe '■* w«r dvpurt-
mcDL"' ur bii \\IU<: I
" Can >tm \mx p^W t)ic ?t*tc finely ,
MuiHertip yoor jtminunithiii ca^fock^ Miiircil \iiih »Lrd.w,
Number b bumlrvfl tprty dine dead fn$f/».
And ttisnk heaven for >'oiir dilcliiiMUi-k r
Csoaot ytm cloilic ytmr r2|£gt.Nl kiiUntry
With MbbAge leave* f dv^uur \\iv n^ckiitdn^,
Atttt c^t^tw iMt 111 tlir riNi, bill yoti tnitnl bind«*r
P»Kir wucictitu from i;>iil«| wjirm town" 7 he Si^iff^Act UU
t Lit rtmrfirrg, Ac] The vciidir i*iU nm^W nt ihv «i"rii-
Ti*W aollmilft of iticlrc ihi|i*r>»#d hy Mir fornnr cditur* : Ihii
and Um' tcmr fMlkiMriuie nii«« BtJiiid thus m Cuiictor, and Mr.
R. Mit^'ii :
i-f ' r/turtiertt
A" ' ftnd dunghifli nwt*
Ti'v . in Trtvett.mxtmM, timw^ ;
Hut /fr^ ' to cloth a*$d thantaiM,
Wi'iil ' rd o/rtwha pffutmt kftmflg .'
t Mjf uvnlf' .ty vanish:] Hruvtrg b Hiol by
■II Ibc 'vritcra <4 :Ujji4JUi^i.r's lim«, Aur ovtvnUilWai Auery of
HeviQA witb
BauxL There are reckonings
For muskadine and eggs too, mnat be thought oo*
I CourL We have not been hasty, sir.
Bawd, But staid your leisun :
But now yon are ripe, and loeden with IVnit '
« Cffurt. Tia fit you should be poll'd ; bete's a bof,
Pray you, kiss him, 'tis your own, air. [skt,
l' Court. Nay. buss this first.
It bath just your eyes ; and luch a promising OiMi,
That if the sij^n deceive me not, in time
'IVill prove ii nutable stfiki?r*. like hU ^tbfllC*
Heig. And yet you laid it to anuther.
1 Ciiiirf. True,
While you wtT« poor ; and it wna policf ;
Hut she thut has ninety of fiirhers,
And makes not choice of him that can mainiBiiL 1^
Ne'er studied Aristotle t-
Lan* A smart quean I
Betg. \\ by, braches, will yott wotty sib | !
t CifurL No, but ease you
Of your gnlden burtben > the beery earni^ mty
Bring you to a sweatiog sickness.
J^. Very likely;
I foam all o'er already*
1 Cmirt. Will you come off, sir ^ I
Ue%. Would I had ne'er come oat
patience,
Or I will anger you. Go to, yoa kiu>w me.
And do not vex me furtber ; oy roy sins.
And your di^ea^s, which arv certain trutbsj
Whute er you think, 1 am nut master, at
This instant, of a livre.
t Vem-t, What, and in
Such ft glorious suit \
Btig, The Likcr, wretched things,
To have no money.
Buivd. Yoii may pawn your clothes, sir.
I Vaurt, Will you see your issue starire !
9 Court. Or the mothers beg 1 |
Btig. Why, you unconaciooable strumpets,
M ould you have me
Transform ray hat to double clouts and biggina !
My rorsek't to n cradle? or my belt
To itwaddlebandis I or turn my chxik ta blankeia?
Or to sell my sword and spiirii, for soap end candlesl
* *7\irUt prtmf a notabU ktrlker,] A tfrikt^ H m m im» e /i$ r: \
Ibe word cwt iirs agJiiii in th* Pttrfuiment ^f £.^atk,
♦ jWtrttHditd ArtMloite.l Thii* h:u bcin hltlicrtoprialcd, i
AViT studied ArUi*tWt nrubkoii : a pTuijui. r.i.l(ii.,l .i.r* ,
i.\t which fvtrv reader of Mgi»jiuierr will r-
I Iklc. Hhy, brachcA, iH// yra foorry •"
n lefn^te houod. It It slnii)t<r to »« wbai ,
hAvv hc'cn wasted la ecmfMUDdUig ibc ««
wi>rdf Tlir pBg» trf Sl)Ak«pcarc, aD<l Ji.»ii
mr« l«cunit>er«l wiih eiidltM attulitfionv ,
Idve (tie rt'adcr sa li^tuiraal ■> ibvy runnd Xatn.. Oa
cvrr, vvtiicb ba« escaped ibe «o(auuittNion» wi
mute rial pnrt or U, U wurth alt Ihii ihe) b«Ye iidvafi
Ibe wufd. TheGenfJtrman'a H^'^^TnitHm*p>1^. •'Thl
la EnilNnd pitid JicotlMnd iwu kind* uf tiamln| 4o^ i
'whftm cl^e in ib« work) , the brat kind la call«| af '
tbl» i* A fiHit fccuiJn^ crt-'ature bo(b of wiUle bea
fi«he» alio which iW hW amooc tbe ruck*. H^fimti^X
in t'ttffiand if called a brache .* a hratk* it a HAM '
NhVKfiit »]] \wHtn\ biU'hfM :" iini\ yvhvn vtt ttdd/breHs
ft wdl t>e alluded tlul eauuKh ban tieca aalbd aa Ike I
$ 1 Cuflit. Mj//g/o« come ofl, fir '] Lt. Hill yoe ^
«o tbi* word I* uieil by all our mUI dminailc writers:
" tfh*
In the old juM ice's &iiii, whom bv ivt>b'd lalety,
WIU comt q/Troandly, we'll *el blin free Imi.**
Tf^ ITktetf.
Again, in the fVeddtnfi, by ShiHey :
** Wbal waa lli« prka yin look li>r r.ntbna I
Dkl Marwead etm* «ff rvaadly wiib tib )^«f va r*
SCEWX L]
THE UNNATURAL COMBAT.
55
Hare yoa no mercy t wliat a chargeable devil
We cam in oar breedies t
fiesu/. jwi. Now 'tis time
To fetch him o£
Enter BxArroBT mtdor,
MorL Your father does it for nfl»
Batod, The governor !
Beauf.sen. What are these?
1 Court, An it Kke your lordship.
Very poor spinsters.
BawL I am his nurse and laundress,
Beig. You have nura*d and launder'd me, heU
Tanish ! Ttake you for it I
CkoMu Do, do, and tslk with him nereaner*
1 CmarL Tis our best course.
f Court, Well find a time to fit him.
[Exeunt Bawd and Courtetant.
Bmuf. wu Why in this heat, Belgardel
Belg, You are tne cause oft.
Boauf. sen. Who. I?
Belg, Yes, your pied lirery and your gdd
Draw these vezations on me ; pray you strip me.
And let me be as I was : I will not lose
The pleasures and the fireedom which I had
In my certain poverty, for all the wealth
Fair France is proud oL
Beauf. ten. We at better leisure
Will learn the cause of this.
Beauf.jun, What answer, tir^
From the admiral 1
Beai^. ten. None ; his daughter is removed
To the fort of Montreville, and he himself
In person fled, but where, is not discover'd ;
I could tell you wonders, but the time denies me
Fit liberty. In a word, let it suflice
The power of our fpneet master is contemn'd
The sacred laws of God and man pro&ned ;
And if I sit down with this injury,
I am unworthy of my place, and thou
Of my acknowledgment : draw up all the troops ;
As I go, I will instruct you to what purpose.
Such as have power to punish, and yet spare.
From fear or^ from conmvance, others ill.
Though not in act, assist them in their will.
lExeunt.
ACT V.
SCENE ly—A Street near Malbfort's Houte.
Enter MoNTREviLLta^ftfc Servants, Thsocmnb, Page,
and Waiting Women. ^
Montr. Bind them, and gag their mouths sure ;
I •
Will be your convoy.
1 Worn. Madam!
« Worn. Dearest lady!
Page. Let me ^ht for my mistress.
Serv. Tisin vam.
Little cockerel of the kind.
Montr, Away with them.
And do as I comtaiand von.
{Exeunt Servantt wUh Page and TTatftii^ Women.
Theoe. MpDtreville,
Yoa are my Adier's friend ; nay more, a soldier.
And if a right one, as I hope to find you.
Though m a hnrfol war vou had surprised
A ei^, that bow'd humbly to your measure,
In hooofir you atand bound to guara a virgin
From violence ; but in a free estate.
Of whidi you are a limb, to do a wrong
Wlueh noble enemies never consent to.
Is audi an insolence
MMikr. How her heart beats* !
Mttch like a partridge in a sparhawk^s foot.
That with a panting silence does lament
The fate she cannot flv from ! Sweet, take comfort,
Yoa are sale, and nothing is intended to you,
Hot love and service.
Tkeoe, Thef came never clodied
In force and ootraffe. Upon what assurance
^Baosembertng on^ that my frtther lives.
Who will not tamelv suffer the disgrace)
Have you preaumea to hurry me from his house,
• Moatr. Bom her heart beaie t Stc) ThU U a verv pretty
•iinilc, and, though sot altoftther af w, la made striking by
the elcfance with whkh it b exprencd.
And, as I were not worth the waiting on.
To snatch me from the duty and attendance
Of my poor servants ?
Montr. Let not that afflict you.
You shall not want observance ; I will be
Your page, your woman, parasite, or fool.
Or any other property, provided
You answer my affection.
Theoc. In what kind t
Montr. As you had done young Beaufort's.
Theoe. How!
Montr. So, lady ;
Or, if the name of wife appear a yoke
Too heavy for your tender neck, so I
Enjoy you as a private friend or mistress.
Twill be sufficient.
Theoe. Blessed angels guard me !
What frxmtless impudence is this ? what devil
Hath, to thy certain ruin, tempted thee
To offer me this motion 1 by my hopes
Of after joys, submission nor repentance
Shall expuite this foul intent.
Montr. Intent!
Tis more. Ill make it act
Theoe. Ribald, thou darest not :
And if (and with a fever to thy soul)
Thou but consider that I have a father.
And such a father, as, when this arrives at
His knowledge, as it shall, the terror of
His veneeance, which as sure as fate must follow.
Will make thee curse the hour in which lust taught
thee
9o nourish these bad hopes ;— -and 'tis my wonder
Thou darest forget how tender he is of me.
And that each shadow of wrong done to me.
Will raise in him a tempest not to be [bim
But with thy heart-blood calm'd : this, when I af^,
Montr. As thou shalt never
Theoe, Wilt thou murder me ?
56
im UNNATinAL COMBAT,
tArry.'
Mantr. No, no, tis otH«rwis« [h*tf>mim«>4» fooL
Tlir* maiter which in passton Icilh liis alave
That niny b# useful to him. dm-a hitnsetf
Tht^ injur)': know, iJioti must wreTclifd i-riL'flture.
Tlmr fuiher thou presume«i upon, rhwt futher,
That, when I ftoug^ht thee in n noble woy,
Denii*d thee to tne, fancying in his hope
A hiL-Iwr match from hia excess of dotag^e.
Hatli in his b <we1s kindte^l »tuchaflame
Of impioas and most unniUumI lust^
That now he fears his mn#t furious desires
May force him to do ihnt, he sbaice^ to thitik on»
Theoc. O me, most wretrhed ♦
Monfr. Nerer hope apinn
To hlaat hjm vith tliose eves : their golden Iwum^
Ar» to him arrows of deal h and hell,
Bat unto me divine artillery
Aad tbefefori},, wince what t so long in vuin
Pursued, U offer'd to me, und by btni
Given up to my po«8«ft»ioii ; do not flatter
Thyself with an una^^oary hpf>«,
Bui that ril take occasion by the forelock.
And mnke use of my fortuuf. As w© walk,
ril tell th-*<j more.
Thfoe. I will not atir.
M(tuir> rn force ibee,
Tht'oe. Help* ht'lp !
M^ntv. In vnin.
Thtftr^ In niM mv hrotht'r'n blood
I^ pmii.sircl lit tlif heiui'liT*
Mimtr, Tbe couLb therif !
Theoc, Dear sir
Montr. Tears, curaet, prayers, are alike to me ;
I ciiii, and inuit enjoy my present pleasure,
And ^liall take time to mituru for it nt leisure.
[if* bean her o^'.
SCENE IL— ^ Spnct before the FarU
Entej' MALiiioKj*
J hare play'd the fool, the gross fool, to beliere
The hosom of a friend will hold a secret,
Muw own could not contniTi ; and my industry
In takm^^ liberty fWim ray innocent d8Ughter»
Our of fahe bope* of iVi'^loiii to myself,
J A, in thts little beJp it yiebk me* piinish'd,
She'e abifuit» but 1 have her fij^ur*' here ^
And erery grace nnd mrity about her,
Are by the jiencil of my memon',
In hrinp colours painted on my hesrt.
My ftrei too, a short interim closed up,
Breuk out with g^reater fury. ^Vhy waa I*
Since 'twaa mv liite, und not to be declined,
In this so tender-ccinscienctMl 7 Say 1 bad
Enjoy 'd what 1 desired, what bnd it been
But incest T and there's somethiog here that tells me
1 stand accompfnhle for fjretiter sins
] never check d nt*. Neither bad ibe mme
Wanted a precedent : I have rend in story t ,
• and there'* §mnetf>iHif hrrt ffuti t«lis me
i »tuHd aotiJtnj.taBte for j/frutrr g/n*
I mffftir chrt'k d at,] Thv*e tjjirk dllii'ititi* to « ilrr'niTftil
ficU Arv iDlr'Kbtcril Willi ^difiirabJc Juc||;iiH>nl , Si tlw^y «wiikrn,
itlilitmt eiviili>liig, llu. curiofeiiy oj Un rrudrr^ ukI cjuktiuue
lluf iiili rf^t i>t the Utkr)%
t - - - - / fnitv ft-nd in Btory, Av.] He liai! bci-n tfnily-
iHg Oviit, ami |>tfllcr»t.ti1> the drcMrinil iinry itt \\)rt\i»,
Thk* wifich«.il Nticii^ii of MiiKfua (m Cb»i»ti«m, at k'ii>*l lu
miiiiitf, me may »ap|w^*r) lu [idliirile, iwr Hefvnil hi* ln<^tMt«te(l
crtiiii', by (he M^Timpke nt talHtlTiu* c1< lliv*, mro bi « «lstv
ThoMS first great heroes, that for th«r bfiv« d««4(
Were in tbe world's first infancy strled ftMl»«
Frt*fly enjoy 'd what I denied myself.
IJlil Snium, in the iplden a^, embnoed
Hu aister Opa, and, in tbe Mime degree,
Tbe Thunderer Juno. Neptune Theiis, and,
By their example, after the 6r«t d(»liige,
Deucnlion Pyrrha. Univer&al nature.
As every day 'tis evident, allows il
To creatures of all kinds : the ,.- " • ^ r.:;^
Covers tbe mare to which he \\
1 he bird with fertile s^^ed givr- • .»»p
l*o ber tbat hotchM bim : why aliouid enrious man
Brund tb«t close act, which *f)ds proiimity rihen
Mo what's most near bim. with »hr abbortied titJe
Of iuci^^st ? Of our Inlor luws forbid
What by tlie tirst wa^i granted ? Let old men,
Thut are not capable of the aw? del lights .
And jiolemn Bujterstitious fools, prescribe
Rules to rbeniselred ; I will not curb nav ffvedoin,
But constantly go on, wiih thia assunince,
1 but walk in a path which grenter men
Have trod before me* llaT this is the fort :
Open die gate ! Witliin, there t
Enter tvo Soldiert*
1 Sold. With your pardon
We must forbid your entrance.
Malrj\ Do you know me ?
^ Sit'tii. Perfectly, my lord.
Male/. I am [your] captain's Iriend*.
1 Said. It may be ao ; but till we know hin pira
Yon must excuse us. ['^nn,
)t Sitid. Well acquaint bim with
\ our WBJTjnp: here.
MalrJ. W ajtijig, slave 1 he waa ever
By me comnianded.
1 Sofd, A a we are by bim,
Mut^. 8o punctual I pray you tlien, in m^ osm^
liis presencf^, [mtrrai
« Said. That we shall do. [Eiemiit
Matef* 1 must nse
^me strange persuasions to work him to
Delivtfr her^^ and to forjcet the vows,
And horrid oaths I, in my madneasj iniid«htm
1 oke to the contrary ; and may I get her
Once more in my possession, 1 will bear her
Into some close cave or desert, where well end
Our lusta and tires together.
Enier MoHTiuviLL£, and Soldier«,
Montr. Fail not, on
The Itarfeit of your lives, to execute
What I command. [Kieunt Sd^lfra*
MuUj: 3Iontreville ! how is't friend 1
Montr. I itm glad to see yott wetr sudi elie^ul
Tbe world's weU alier'd. [lofikfl ;
MuUf. YoBj 1 thajik my atara :
But methinks thou art troubled.
Miuttr. Some litjbt cross,
But of no moment. |
uf iiKlure, and Iku1«, is a jnRt ami ftrikjaf pidnra of thm
etfgtfniriLt wlib vrliich a tnlDd rerclved f>«i fvflL mioisNn to
iiR own tli'ccpikui, Th!f, in lh« Scripture |ihrM»o|op', k
kMitlctl, " h^rrlt-niTiK the hrart ;'* and Mtfitit to b« fb* 1m|
t\3^r fif tiumaji clcpravaiinn.
• M.iU*f. f am (ycmr) captain'* frin%ii J Covctcr, A4)(nr>
ing Ibe v]il copy, reAd*, J nm ihi* cnpfnin*» /irttmil. iff. U*
iUnanii nlntrvAthig lu thp .' If ati} fhNUC« be nw^ c— ty, et
wIdcJi 1 ajn dmitnttit, ibc word iwm iaserted liids lUfval M
be genuine ((imiii«Kl Ln edit. ISlJi). '
tb=
I-]
THE UNNATURAL COMBATr
57
**. So I hope ; beware
ftod impious tlioiights ; yon know bow far
roueht on me*
r. No flucb eome near me, sir.
like joQ, no danghter, and mocb wisb
rer had been cars*d witb one.
: Who, I ?
t deceired, I am most ^iqppy in her.
r. 1 am gUid to bear it.
'. My inoestnons fires
her are quite burnt out ; J lore bar now
ber. and no further
\ Fix there then
nstant peace, and do not try a second
don from her.
'. Yes, friend, though she were
ons of degrees more excellent
•erfections ; nay, though she could borrow
angelicsl to take my frailty,
I not do: and therefore, Montrerille,
f delight next her, I come to tell thee
emor and I are reconciled,
)nfirm*d, and with all possible speed,
> large satisfaction to young Beaufort,
, whom I have so much wrong'd : and for
ible in her custody, of which
discharge thee, there is nothing in
'^es or fortunes, but shtEill erer be
levotion.
. Vou promise fairly,
bt I the performance ; yet I would not
T be reported to ha^e been
icipal occasion of your falling
lapse: or but suppose, out of
ness of my nature, and assurance
firm and can hold out, J could consent ;
ds must know there are so many lets*
ke against it, that it is my wonder
T me the motion ; having bound me
ths and imprecations on no terms,
, or arguments, you could propose,
lould admit you to her sight,
ss restore ber to you.
Are we soldiers,
id on oaths !
. It is beyond my knowledge
we are more worthy, than in keeping
ds, much more our vows.
Heaven pardon all !
ny thousands, in our heat of wine,
, and play, and in our younger days,
te I may say, between oursdves,
I of love, have we to answer for,
re be scrupulous that way 1
You say well :
f aptl^r call to memonr
IS against all ties and rites of friendship
»y vou to me.
No more of that.
Yes, 'tis material, and to the purpose :
(and think upon't) was, when I brought
tant to my mistress then, ^the mother
une daugnter,) whom, wiUi dreadful words,
3ns to remember, you swore deeply
ake never to attempt ; yet then,
len you had a sv/eet wife of your own,
tfd» mutt kmaw there art «o moMjf lets] I. c impe*
bttMlcs,&c. ^te Ike ntym-Martvr,
1 know not with what f>rts, philtres, and charms
(Unless in wealth* and fame you were above me)
Vou won her from me ; and, her grant obtained,
A marriage with the second wait^ on
The burial of the first, that to the world
Brought your dead son : this I sat tamely down by.
Wanting, indeed, occasion and power
To be at the height revenged.
Makf, Yet this you seem'd
Freely to pardon.
Jtfonlr. As perhaps I did.
Your daughter Theocrine growing ripe,
(Her mother too decea«ed,) and fit for marriage,
I was a suitor for her, had your word.
Upon your honour, and our friendship made
Authentical, and ratified with an oath,
She should be mine : but vowa witb you being like
To your religion, a noae of wax
To be tum'cT every way, that very day
The governor's son but making his approaches
Of courtship to her, the wind of your ambition
For ber advancement, scattered the thin sand
In which you wrote your full consent to me.
And drew you to his party. What hath pass'd sin^,
You bear a register in your own bosom,
That can at large inform you.
Malrf, Montreville,
I do confess all that you chaise me with
To be strong truth, and that f bring a cause
Most miserably guflty, and acknowledge
That though your goodness made me nune own judge,
I should not shew the least compassion
Or mercy to myself. O, let not yet
My foulness taint your pureness, or my falsehood
Divert the torrent of your lojral faith ! "^
My ills, if jiot return d by you, will add
Lustre to your much gooa ; and to o'ereome
With noble sufferance, will express your strength
And triumph o er my weakness. If you pktae too
My black deeds being only known to you,
And, in surrendering up my daughter, buried.
You not alone make me your slave, (for I
At no part do deserve the name of friend,)
But in your own breast raise a monument
Of pity to a wretch, on whom with justice
You may express all cruelty.
Mentr. You much move me.
Malrf, O that I could but hope it ! To revenge
An injury is proper to the wishes
Of feeble women, that want strength to act itf :
But to have power to punish, and yet pardon.
Peculiar to princes. See ! these knees.
That have been ever stiff to bend to heaven.
To you are supple. Is there anght beyond this
Ihat may speak my submission ? or can pride
nhough I well know it is a stranger to you)
Desire a feast of more humility,
To kill her growing appetite ?
Montr. I required not
To be sought to this poor wayt ; yet 'tis so far
« ( Unleu in wealth, &c.] i. e. Unle$$ it were that m wealth.
Sec
t To revenge
Am injurjf i§ proper to the wiehe$
Of feeble women, that want etrength to act it :]
Qtdfpe numUi
Semper et ir\firmi e$t animi erijfwque voluptae
Vltio. Contimio eic coUige, quod vindicta
Nemo magi* gamdetf quamjamina."
Juv. Sat. xlll. in.
t Montr. / reqmred not
To be waiht to tMe poor wap ;] So the old copy : tli«
I;
TWK UNNATURAL COMBAT*
tA«r^
A kfodof mtisAietJon, that I will
DispenM a little with tboM teriaut oiths
You made me take : your daoehter «hiill come to yott,
I will not Mj, iu jou ddlvvrd ber,
But &B il]« U. vou msy dispove of ber
Ai Tou dball tnink mo«t requiiiitet f K^iL
i!aUf\ Hi» Uut word*
Arci riddles to me. Here the lioD*i force
Would huve proved useless, and, pgninat mj nftture,
Conjpell'd me from the crocodile to borrow
Her connterfeit tears : tbere's now no tunuog^ b*ck*
ward.
Muj I but quench these fires that mg:e within me,
And fidl wbiit am fnll, I sm arni'd to he^ tl !
Enter Soldiere, ihrusiing forth TfitocniNK ,- her
garnnniti loow, hfr hair dithtt'elted,
f Soid, You must be tmckifi;;.
Thtae, Hith he robb*a me of
^ Miii« honour, mid deuiei me now • foom
To bide my ahame !
t Sold. My lord the ndminil
Attends your tiuiysbip.
I Sittdl Close ihe port, and leave them.
fEifunt Soitiien,
ler'd ! bow de-
"formed !
It cannot be : and yet Ihii ereotufe hnA
A kind of a resemblance to my daug^hter.
My Theocrine ! but «a difteirnt
From that ahe was, an bodies dpud are, in
Their beat perfection ti, from what tliey were
When tbey had life and motion.
7^*foe* 'Tts most tTUf» sir;
I am dead* indijed, to all hut miaety.
oome not near me, atr, 1 am ijireetioua ;
To look on me it dietance^ ui ns dun^^eroua
Aa horn a piimtck's cloud -kisaing spire
With giddy eyea to view the steep cfeacent ;
But to acknowledge me, a oertain rain*
O. air I
Makf, Speak, Theocrine, force me not
To furtljer qtiestion ; my fears tdready
Have choked my vital spirits.
I Theoc. Pray you turn away
! Your fiice and hear me, and with my hist breath
Give me leave to accuse you ; what olfenoe^
From my first infancy* did I commit*
That for a puniuhment you aboiild give up
My rirgtn chasiity to tlie treacheroua g:uanl
Of ffostiHU ^Montreville I
Mairf. V\ hat hath be done ?
TUenc. Abused me, air, hy violence ; and thiatold*
1 cannot live to speak more : may the cuuse
10 you find jiardon, hut th<* apeeJini^ curse
Of s ravish 'd maid fall heavy, lienvy on him !
Beaufort, my lawful love, farewell for ever. [Bits,
flifMlrra editors, ignoriiiiit iof the laagUAgv of tJi« tjtite, wrbl-
tmrily I'xclianj^v to fur in^ amJ Ihui pvi-vert lUc ftvuMi. Tn
wttk to, ia lo ftipptk'die, lmiItcjiI^ have tsjimest reconrw i\\
arc. I «hicb i» llie ttiiritiilrtg of (lie lent.
Thrrt wafr « bo^jk, niucli itatt by onr »ncc4tnr», from
whiiit, •* tH'int llie pnrv Uill higid of Bngllalt (.troMS iJucy
rlrrhMl « nimfbrr of (jhrfl**-* \hM hivt *oivU pnrxird ihttSr
rlcflccnilMut*. Thi» txx'k ^ ' ; • itunaulysitU iniii^l»ienc«,
I* Ut* fllUlv : Ku^l 1 V. in, Midtoni feJir i\t i><n-
ltNitlcti«Mi| that ihu#c ■ i i'*o|;le \*L.i hn%c *lmlit'(!
11 well. »ft » <MJ4ii|j«1i'r»i jitML'<v^ III iiir (iH-aniinK "f our attcicot
4i*hlc'iit. 4» nu»\ of ihv firiruiirifiii of bliick Titvrnfure, Truiii
Th4^b4l4l lu Si4'«vru«, Tbc t!X|)ieii«ir>D tti the text frvqnently
iircnrt ill il : " AinJ Am '*t*9 <1ih'«H(1 Mi !»• fcil-jti in bl*
iU»ii it»r III' ttn^ht Hut l0 Uiv LtJitl, but fn lihc (fh>>kiji*u.**
?1 Ctirua. »vi, 1%
Matrf, Take not thy Hig^ht ao aooo, ODiiiiietiiita
Tie fled idready.^ — ttow the innoeenti ['f*'^
As in a (gentle slumber, pass awmy \
But to cut off tbe knotty thnwd of lift
In guilty men, must force stem Atropos
To use her sharp knife often. I would belp
I'he eds^e of ber's with the sliarp point of mar,
Uut that I dare not die, till 1 have rrat
This dng'% heart piecemeal. O, that 1 bad wio^
To scale the»e walb, or that my hands were cumau,
To bore their flinty aides ! that I migbt bris^
The villain in tbe reach of my good arword ?
llie Turki-nh eujjiire offer'd for bia rvnaome,
Should not redeem his life, O tbat mv rinem
Were loud as tL under, and with borrid sound!
Might force a dreadful passafe to bia e^rs.
And through them reach his itoui ! lihidinoiUimotaittvl
Foul rvvisher ! as thou dur»t do a deed
Which fo refold the sun to hide his grtorloiim intm
Behind a sable mask of cIouds« appettT,
And as a man defend it ; or Uke me.
Shew some compunction for iL
Enter MoNTRFvrLLE oh thd WatU mbeof*
Mflntr, Ha, ha, ha 1
Makj. Is this an object to taue mirtb T
Montr, Yen, yes.
Mate/, My daughler'a de*d.
NiUftr, Thou hadst best follow ber ;
Or if thou art tlie tliine tbou art reportMi),
Thou shouldiit have led the way. Do tear thy batr.
Like a village nurse* and mourn, wldle I Uagb stthec^
Be but a just i^xamtner of iliyiielf.
And in an equal hnloiice poiicthe notbing^.
Or litth* mischief 1 have dcmi*, compared [tboQ
Witb the pond'roua weight of tin ne ; and bow eamt
Accus« or argue with me ] mme was a ^^pei
And she being in a kind contntcted to ine«
llie fact may challenge some qualiticatiua ;
But thy intent made nature's self run bftclcwttrdf
And done, had caused an earthquake*
Enter Soldiers aftaniv
1 SoM, Captain ♦
Mmtr. Ha! [«ttift^
2 fyoUl. Our outworka are surprised, tbe sentiad
The coifm de guard defeated too«
Montr, By whom ?
1 Sotd, The Nudden storm and darknees of the niglit
Forbids the knowledge ; make up apeedUy.
Or all is Iwsti [Exnttit,
Motitf\ In the devil^s name, whence ctimem
this } [IjtL
I A Surm ; with tkundtr anil tightnmgm
Matff, Do, do rage on ! r^^nd open, .l^ulus.
Thy braxen pns*in, iind let looj^e at once
Thy stormy issue ! Blusteniig Boreas »
Aided with all the scales the pilot uumbem
Upon his compoMSf cannot nu^e a tempest
1 ]irough tbe vast region of the air, like that
1 feel Yi'ithin me : for I am posseiis'd
With whirlwinds, and each guilty thought to me ta
A dn^adful hurricano*. Though this cetitre
• A ftrttvl/vt hiirrk»no.] go the i4il copy, sml riglilly j
wttkli inrrt'ly ttc-ftroye (lie iTielre I Huw Ibry r< <
iriifl tilt' tint', fbi]» (jrliitril. 1 CAiinui coiftriv*',' Wi
[H hurticfinft I doubt "Mbcihrr it nan nmcli iii u
aiPiKrr'* liiiiv ; ht- aotl liii conlFiiiuoraric* *JIituhi| iii^it|,^M>
vtrllc hnrricano, \aft ii« fbf> nrrirtv« il frum ih«^ Purlttgi
iisir.iuyr» of vuya|;i-*. Htc.
THK UNNATURAL COMBAT-
' «Ck hfmf( forth ««rth(mKkftt, utd bell opto
li«r wtd#^^trt««>li'(l jtwB, md }H out ill ber furiet,
Tli#T eftvmct tdd vi storn to The mogntJiiD
Of itmr* umI t#rroor» dint «ftch iainut« threnten
To Mi oo mj aociintd bM(L^>
mmi^%/*jti of tmmnds, Uu^^ in th$ Shadow of «
L^d^, ktrjat* ieprom*
Ha \ is*t fimcy ?
Or IwCli Wn )i«B-d nti.mad mHkt«s proof if I
Dwe «ci)d tiM ln>| ? Ym, 1 do ; ftiid dow
1 Ti^w tb»«c ippariDana, 1 Isel
] on* did liiKnr*b€*ubst«aeM. F<Mrwluii«aBMjroti ?
▲y« f^j«ir iiniil f mna depntw! of famgimge,
AdiI to <lenkd to t«ll ■■•, tbat bjr autos
[Thf GAorCi tut ^turu,
r^m bid W Mb beiv of myielf •! Ti» ao :
A«d tlMA M ioiDetbing ber« makei aniw«r for you.
Voa eooa to kooe my iAar'd up con»ciience ; yes,
" IP tllstmet m», tint tbo»e thunderbolts,
t lMiii*d mm baidkiiia- from the height of glon%
itli« boooon, worldly bippineAis, were furg«4
PpoB tb« anri] of my itopiouA wron^i
Am crudty co you ! I do coafp«s it ;
And tiitt my lust cotnp«1lmg^ me ro mnke wny
F«r« i»eoacl wife, 1 pPoisonM tUeo; and that
i^TW raoae (which to llie world U uiKli^cover*d)
t Ibived ibee to tbake off* thy fiUal duty
i«, tby hshmtt bad it« ipritiD: iod source
Fran thy impoCicace, to know thy mother »
Tbat with all doty and obedkoce served me,
flTor BOW with horror I acknowledge it,)
BaJ W OT i d Boj natty : yet, thou b«inff my aoti,
a eoffipcfteot jud&re marked out by beaten
reTeu^r, wbicb thy fiilliij|: by
baud confirm 'd. — \AfavNfrtd ttUi h^ iign**
^Tia granted by tbee,
Caa «ij penanoe expiate my guilt.
Or em ivpaBlniee aare me ? — [Tht gftott$ dimypmr.
They are vuntsih'd }
WImI's M 10 do tb«a \ 111 ac^ruse my (at«,
T^at dad aoc frabion ma for aobler ueie^ :
For i£ iboiA mam croaa to me in my birtb,
Hfll BOI 4imkA their pnwperoua influanco lo it.
WidlMio* «f eonacieiio«, like to iJUioe«nt men,
I aigBi b«r« wi a atd to be, aod not aa now,
T<»««BMaqr cuM« of bt^ing
[Iff It m*d \ciA afiuh rf UghtniHg.
tmttr fiau&4aDt ui^ Sddlcra*
Btijgt Umm'm a night
tbee:
T« MWM my aOkt T BufTjerkin, now 1
TlmtlnM ioaared many foul nig:htii, but ni^ver
Ont Wkm lo tbls. lIow'fiQo my feather lcH>k» now !
Jvirt ^^ * cipoo'a tail storn out of the i»«n,
And yd in tlia atak ; and yet 't had b<*n dushonour
Tohov* dmff«d without it^ — Wilt tliuu ui^verceaae ft
la tW petard, aa I gave din*ctioQB, bacen'd
On th* portrullii ?
t SM, it bsib b««n atl«mpt»d
fly dvtwn, hm in ^rtm,
iMr* Thma aro your nllantt,
Thm at a IbaaC take the &rat place, poor
Umiiif wXkm'4 to follow ; marrr, in
I
i mk beta 4f niw(^r] ^ucriirwc. polnilnj
inMp-aMar.'l Tklt ihorl ipcwtrofilic li mI-
These fooliih buainessea they are content
l^hfit I shall have precedence : I much thank
Tlieir manners or tbpir fi?ar» HCT:otid roe, aaldiers ;
They have hsul uo time to undeniiinet or if
They have, it ia but blowing «|J, and fi^tching
A caper or two in the air ; ana I will do ii,
Eatlier ihjm blow my nailn here.
t Scid, O bnive captain } [ Kitunti
An otarum ; mtUe and c$ie» within. After ajfourith^
enter BaAuroRT senior, Beaupobt Junior, Mom-
TAicNr, Chauont, LAN4>ini, IVkloakae, nM^i jSol*
diera, ttrifA Mo>rntEVtu.£.
Mnntr. BncV s caimot force Tnorw from me than I have
Already told you : I expect no favour ;
1 have cast up my accompt.
Bmnf, un. Take you tna charge
Of the fort, Belgarde , your dangers hare deserved it
Bel^. I thank your excellence j tliis will ke«p ma
anfe yet
From beinu pull'd by the sleeve, and bid remember
The thiripr 1 wot of.
Bmuf.jun. All tljat have eyes to weep,
Sparp one tear Willi me. l'heocrine*s dead.
Montr. H«r father too lies breathleia b«fe, 1 think
StruL-k dead frith thunder.
Cham* Tis apparent : how
His carcasi smells !
Lan, His face is alter'd ta
Anotlier colour,
Beaufjun But here's one retains
Her native innocence, that never yet
Caird down heaven*s anger.
iimuf, wiu 'Tia in vain to mourn
For what^H friijit help. We will ri-fer, had man.
Your sentence to the king. JMay wtf njuke uh« of
Tlii« great example, and learn from it, thai
Tlif re cnnnol be a waul of fnowtr above,
To puniah munler and unlawful love ! [Estunt**
* Thb Pljiy open* mhb cootklrnUv Iiilrrr** lad vicuar;
bat Hie pctueifuil sctIod i* qokkly cKtiioilcd by iu own
bri«lii»ri«. Tht DiitiJitanil CutnlMt «nfU ratly In ihe K-n>iMl
net, nnd teivri the nradcr al m Iom wtijt flinber lu ckpvel.
T)>« rrm<iknin|: fi^ti, al leaal frti-in tht br^inning of the fuurih
act miKlil b«f C4llctl the t'nnataral Attdi'lioirtit- Yet ihe lwt»
eahjrclfr arc uol without connrxiun ; iriKJ thi» l> iittonled
chic ft V by Ih^ |it(ijeclp<l in4rri«|e uf young Beitifun tad
Thcucrioe, whicb Mdrfori urge* at the coni<ei)atiice of hia
vklt'ry.
The piece b ihrrrfofv to be conikJertil not »o roocb la Us
|>tu4^ ai in ill I'hiiiHCiers ; aiul iIu-m^ mte drJiwn wiili p«ai
force, and adunirible diicrimlnHtioD. Tbe pity tvXi at firfl
for otd Makfurt, t* wm>it cbaiagpd Jiitu hi>iTW and delcita>
lion \ while the dread liif pired by t]i« vim %% »«tiiufwhal rvlic^inl
by line iini|>klu» tiui be avenjiei Ibc cad^c of a imirdrrrd
mother. Their ffartey it a« terrible at their combat ; and
tbey cncouuter wiib a fury of p^Mion and a deadliocM of
hatred apprcNicblDg lo stvafc nature. — Claodian wjit slmoil
deicritte tbem : —
ToreiM i?prr, fulmt»ipie lea eeiere mperkU
ririim*; kk §ela nevitfr, i/t* fuba.
On Ihe other kaud^ Mootrevlllr aiifully ronccati bia enmity
litl be ran be ** at the hrijEbt rvvtur^d." Deprived oC Tbc>
ocrine by Malcrorl't treachery, he yet appean bU ** boaoca
frU'iHt,'* wlf*-n lo toe bts sccoiyl in the comtyal, <in aceoaot of
th< fr trirtl affection ** from hi* InfMnry," aivd teeint evm to
rrcoriimi-nd the marriage of Tbrocrine wlih bit rival. To
Theticrliic benelf, wbo ran lew eomprcbend hit de«i|tti», be
ihewt Mime glJjnptet of tptecn rroni the becinDinc. He takes
• mallfHAPt plcAiore In wiMtndkne brr delicacy wUh li(hl4Bd
vkiifii* Inikini;; an*lwhiii at lrn|£lli ht' hii* {loinie^^ion uC ber
|KT»uh, nrnt ii prepHrhiK the di*honaiir which endi ill ber
dt>ath, h4^ t«lkt tu hrr i>r htt vllUliioui piii |H»%e wUh acooliieit
which thcw# hini dL'teiuilurit uit hti levvnge, «{ul Mrrore of
ib accuMipliAhmviit.
Tbeocrioc herreU h admirabk lbroagbo«l the piece* Slit
JL
60
THE UNNATURAL COMBAT.
[Act V.
hat a tnw virxia modcatr, and, pnkaps, OM or tkc bc« aariu
of modeaty, a Irac virgio fraakncn. We adnire her fearlcaa
parity of thoaght, her filial reverence, and her ueooKkma-
BMs of the in^aity that approaches her; and we are filled
with the most tender concern for the indlfnitiea to which
■he ia expoaed, and tlw fate which the aaflen.
Amonf the lighter charmctert, Montaigne, Chamont, and
Lanonr are well drawn. They are Mmie of thoae iniign i ftcant
people who endeavoar to mppoft thenuelTes In society hy a
ready Mhjection to the wlA of olherk When M alefort it
on his trial, they are glad to be hisaccoaen; and ilia allowed
that the y '«jWM h
eager Id prawm t
be U In his UMody hi
•* safest conrse^i" a '
ne^ected Bcigardei
•pon him.— Dr. InsLAna.
AAcr bla ▼tetoty, they are aaM
I IHenda and ndmitvrs. Whea
ody bauMMr, they sooth him. that being ihs
;** and when Beaafort at leocih takes ap the
rde, they are the trat to lavLh their OMoey
• This eonsistcncy In their insipid
itself detemine to whoas theae words
had not given theaa to Chanioat.oa otiMr
.If t
THE DUKE OF MILAN.
DuKs OF MiLAW.] Of this Tragedy there are two editions in quarto ; the first, which is rery correct
' very rare, bears date 1623 ; the other, of little ralue, 1638. It does not appear in the O^ce-book
^nser; from which we may be certain that it was among the author's earlieist performances.
»lot, as tlie editor of the Ccmpanion to the Play Haute observes, is founded on Guicciardini, Lib. viii.
wever, is a mistaken idea, as if Massinger was at all indebted to Guicciardini, it must be to his
i xizth books. It should be added, however, that by this expression nothing more must be under-
■n that a leading circumstance or two is taken from the historian. There was certainly a struggle,
between the emperor and the king of France, in which the duke of Milan sided with the latter, who
!«ted and taken prisoner at the &tal battle of Pavia. The rest, the poet has supplied, as suited his
Charles was not in Italy when this victory was gained by his generals ; and tne final restoration
[Uanese to Sfona took puce at a period long subsequent to that event. The duke is named Ludo-
he list of dramatis personaB ; and it is observable that Massinger has entered with great accuracy
vigorous and active character of that prince : he, however, had long been dead, and Francis Sforza,
agent in this play, was little capable of the spirited part here allotted to him. The Italian writers
k a weak and irresolute prince, the sport of tortune. and the victim of indecision,
smaining part of the plot is from Josephus's History of the Jewt, lib. xv. ch. 4 ; an interesting story,
ss been told in many languages, and more than once in our own. The last piece on the subject
elieve, the Mariamne of Fenton, which, though infinitely inferior to the Duke <f Milan, was, as I
rd, venr well received.
teuton tiad read Massinger before he wrote his tragedy, is certein from internal evidence ; there are
ever, many marks of similarity : on the whole the former is as cold, uninteresting, and improbable,
tter is ardent, natural, and affecting. Massinger has but two deaths ; while, in Fenton, six out of
eraonages perish, with nearly as much rapidity, and as little necessity as the heroes of Tom Thumb
onhotonthologoi,
•id, in the title-page, to have ** been often acted by his Majesty's Selrvants at the Black Friars."
trough i^orance or disingenuity, Coxeter and M. Mason represent it as frequently performed in
iring, as m every other instance, the time of publication for that of iu appearance on the stage.
TO THL RIGHT IIONOURABLS,
AND MUCH EBTBZMXO FOR HER HIGH BIRTH, BUT MORS ADMIRED FOR HER VIRTUE,
THE LADY CATHEEINE STANHOPE,
WIFE TO PHILIP LORD STANHOPE,
BARON OF SHELFORD.
Iadam,
9 not most assured that works of this nature have found both patronage and protection amongst the
princ e s ses * of It^, and are at this day cherished by persons most eminent in our kingdom. I
lot presume to ofier these my weak and imperfect labours at the altar of your fkvour. Let the
of others, more knowing, and more experienced in this kindness (if my boldness offend) plead my
md the rather, since there is no other means left me ^my misfortunes having cast me on this course)
ii to the world (if it hold the least good opinion ot me) that I am ever your ladyship's creature,
fe, therefore, with the never-failing demency of your noble disposition, not to contemn the tender
ity, who, while he is, will ever be
An humble Servant to your
Ladyship, and yours
PHILIP MASSINGER.
lonMs ] So th* qsarto 1(»3. That of ltf.18 eshlMtt frtucea, which CoxHer, and co«MeqaeiiU> M. M smmi, follo«r»
6f
rHE DUKE OF MILAN
[Acrl.
DRAMATIS PERSONiE.
LuDovico Sporza, nippaud duke of Milan.
Francisoo, hU especial favouritt,
Graccho, a creature of Mariana.
Julio, > _.
Giovanni. \^^^»'
Chahlcs ths emperor.
Pescara, an imperialist, but a friend to Sforuu
Hernando, \
Medina, >captaf/it to the emperor,
Alpbonso, J
SCENE, for the first and second acts, in Miijin
Pavia ; the rest of tlM play.
Tbre« GenUesien.
An Officer.
Two Doctors. Two Courien.
Marcslia, the dutehess.wife to Siorzju
Isabella, mother to Sforsa.
Mariana, wife to Francisco, amd sirtsr to S\
Eugenia, tistor tw Frakcisoo.
A Gentlewoman.
A Guard, Serrants, Fiddlers, Attendance
; during part of the third, in the Impbuai. Camp i
in Milan, and its neighbourhood.
ACT I.
SCENE Ir— Milan. An outer Room in the Castle*,
Enter GRACCUOy Julio, and Giovanni t> with
FlaggoM.
Grac, Take erenr man bis flsggfon : give the oath
To all you meet ; I am this day the state-druukard,
I'm sure against my will ; and if you find
A man at ten that's sober, he's a traitor,
And, in my name, arrest him.
Jtd, Very good, sir :
But, say he Im a sexton ?
Grac. If the bells
Ring out of tunet, as if the street were burning.
And he cry, Tu rare music ; bid him sleep :
'Tig a sign he has ta'en his liquor \ and if you meet
An officer preaching of sobriety.
Unless he read it in Geneva print $,
Lay him by the heels.
• Milan. An outer Room in the CaatU] Tbe old copies
have no di«tiactioci of scenery ; indeed, tbry ciKild have none
with their miserable platform and raised gullery, trat what
was famished by a board with Milan or Rkodee painted npon
iL 1 have ventured to sapply it, in conformity to the mocH'ni
mode of printing Shakspeare, and to consult the ease of the
general reader. I know not what pricked forvrard Coxeter,
but he thought proper (for the first time) to be prerise in this
Play, and specify the place of action. I can neither com-
pliment him upon his Judgment, nor Mr. M. Mason npon his
goodsrnse in following him: the description here is, ''A'ceiMr,
a publie Palace in Pisa," Flsa I a place which is not once
mentioned, nor even hinted at, in tbe whole play.
f Julio, and GiorANNi,] These are nut fonud among the
old dramatis personae, nor arc they of much Importance. In
a sabseanent sceae, where they make their appearance a* laT
and StMi Gentlemen, I have taken the liberty to name them
again. Joo^, which stood in this scene, appears to bs a
misprint for JuHo.
fCrac ff the belie
Ring oot of tanc, Ac.] L e. backward : the nsaal signal et
alarm, on the breaking out of fires. So in f Ae Captain :
" certainly, my body
Is all a wiklflre. for my head rings tedkMoni."
Again : in the City Match :
•• Then, sir, In time
Yon may be remember'd at the quenching of
Ptrcd booses, when the bells Wf^ backward, by
Your name npon the buckets."
i Unleee ho mad it in Geneva primt,] Allading to the
spirituooa Uqnor so called. M. Mason.
JuL But think you 'tis a ftult
To be foimd sober ?
Gf«c. It is capital treason ;
Or, if you mitigate it, let audi pay
Forty crowns to the poor : but girec
To all the magistrates yov find aingiiij
Or their wives dancing ; for the oowrOfi* TOStinr.
And tbe duke himarif, I dare not s^ diaOmipsi^ *
But kind, and in his tottering ehsir oi
They do the cotmtry service. If yum
One that eau bread, a child of ignomieew
And bred up in darkness of no driakiag^
Against his will you may initiate him
In the true posture ; though he die in the tskiBg
His drench, it skills notf: what's a priTftte man.
For the public honour ? We'^e uoug^t elaa to think
And so, dear friends, copartners in my trsTaila, [on.
Drink hard ; and let the health run thzou^ tlis city.
Until it reel again, and with me cry.
Long lire the dutchess I
Enter Txbekio and Stspbako.
JuL Here are two kxds ;—> what thmk yoa t
Shall we give the oath to them ?
Grac. Fie! no: I- know them.
Yon need not swear them ; your lord, by his r— tfit.
Stands bound to take his rouset. Long Urm the
dutchess ! [Exeunt GmcJuL mmd Gio
• •/ dare not euif distcmper'd,) L^e Inuihauj : •
the word Is fireqneutly used by ear old wrilen. Tkai f&kkfev
" CW. m; kml, li*k gone, ^^
** Led. Howl
'* Oemr. Distempered,
" Lod. Not with wins V The GmtMl
It ocenn also in Hamiet.
t tkemgh kedie in the UMmg
His <ireiic*. it sfciUs.aot: te.} It
So ip rV Gamntrr :
** iVk|iA. 1 desire no man's privilege: iCtMlbiaefwhctkcr
I be kin to any m in living."
J yoMT lord, bp hiepatent.
Stands bound to take his rouse.] This word has never bren
groperly explaine<l. It occurs in Hamlet, wheie It b saM by
leevens, as well as Johnson, to mean a qnantiiy uT U'lnor
ratlier too larite : the latter di* rives It fhrnn nMeA,liiIf drank.
Germ, wlilie he brings corouMfkuus^araiMifnllontf ibn.m
.11
■|
Staph, The cause of this ? but yesterdfty the court
Wore the sad lirery of distrust aod fear ;
No smilfl. not in a buflboa to b« aeen.
Or common j«ster : the Great Duke himself
Had sorrow ia hk fiu»-, which, waiteiJ on
By bis mother, suter, and his fairest dutcUi>as,
Dispersed usiWot moitrning: tbrouj^h fdl Milan -,
As if aonie ^nm. blow had boea giTen the itate,
Or were at least expected.
Ti/f, Slephano,
I know as you are noble, yoa are honest.
And ntpabl« of secreti of more weight
Than now I shall deliver. If that Sforui.
The present duke» (though bis whole hfe bath been
Bat one ooncinoed pilgrimnge through dsngier^i.
Affrights, and horrors, which bis fortunfi piided
By h»» strong jadjrment, still hath overconn*,)
Ap(i««ir« DOW fthakeo, it deserves no wondir :
All that hi* ynutli bath laboured for, tlie harvest
Sown by his industry rmidy to be re^pM too,
Be«ng now at stake j and all his hopes confirmed.
Or lo«t for eri?r,
Suph. I know no such haaard :
Hie guards are strong and sure, hi«$ coffers full ;
TUe people well aflected ; and so wisely
His proT^ident care hath wrought, that though wv^r
lag^a
Id moat parts of our western world| there is
Ko ecMoay near us.
Tifr. £]huig«n, thai we see
To threaten ruin, are with eoee presented ;
Bat those strike deadly, that cotne tmexpected :
The lightning is far off, yet, soon 84 seen.
We maj behold the terrible effr-cta
That it prodoceth. But TU help your knowledge,
, bownrrr. Uitt vye tnd «i^j^, 9n> but the rrcrf.
pFOCJMom 9t die nnM action, mnd miiH .\M
ftoai the Mmc tuarc^. A route Wat i .«t
a pioC* » Td;^o 9jyv? In whkli n licihii ik-
ftaf of t nf the a^mpanv Imhh.. 1 a t'lroutt',
M-MTTi ifi^y angry wlib ibw iiiiwninrof tlijp
rmMt*" r, wilh aMud^ble led fur the honour
oi Im jttriliutet fo an Enifli»hniii(i, w]m>, it iv«(ni
•' bs Lit out wUb a pottlrwji" forliii ingenuity^
" I« t «iy» he. •*lh«y baa no cone*!! whereby
|» draw on 0r'i(ikeQe<^w/'(6amabj waa qo grcai lifiioriait,)
•• UmIt best wrts. I (Iriokc lo yoa, and 1 pkd|p you, till it
IcVClb MMMc tli4ll4iwwit1et| drunkard Toatk) oiil the rarov^et
«a unrralfoii or that worth nnA wonblneiac «» it ia pitiv the
ttr>i fuaader '*mi not hMi^^tfl, that we Bd^bt Imve fniiMl o^it
his oaine ia fhe anikat recoixl of Ua« hiJiginiin'<« rd^i'iir"
BitftUh Bm tmd Cry, 1017, \>. jM. It I» w .hi,
llkat iher* ctuild br no rocur m cnrmtae^ i . *
*er« i»m(»fM r "The leader," Cf^n tin a«« K . ly^
*• •■*"[ ' i iriroea the bottom of tl*-' shjijw up.
warrJ ol hji dcxUrritie, gWe» it a ph>li[}.
' !■ pr*jNr<»» iji r«n<r , i>ij(h thi'w wotflt vrrrc nwd In st ln»cr
•eaM: bal I briieve Ihal wival i* here ^dvnticcd, will M-rve
to cmphiltt nunv paia«aE«a ur »t)r old drainaii«tj, In which
diej occur lu thetr primal au4l ap{irijpriatc Bigiilllcatioa :
" >W, I've la'er*. tine* tuvii^r,
A Tsmar or ruwr iu<< much^ aiid bv the god*
It wartT»« my blw>d/* A'i«|^ilr cf MaUo-
This proves th«t JobuaoD and Stceveiia arc utrroag : a rautt
ias ll^ a fixed and drtefmloatc aenie. In the Lxngtiage of
Ifte pretcut djiy }t woald be, a hamiyet or twe too much
A^ain :
** Ihtke. Ccirne^ bring K>me wioc. Hcre'i to my tj»ier,
fenflemen,
A kfoftk, and nitnh to all r
•• ArcAma, Pray /// i//ii//. «ir/
Tia a blfh k^trttk lu viftn*. Here, lonl Barrfor
A maiden health I —
* IhtJkf, Go i©» m* moTt' of ihU.
'• 4rt;AaaL Take ih* ro«i«e freely, tlr.
Twill warm yuor bluud, ajiit make yon nt ror jotUiy."
Th9 L^yal XtOyect
And make his cause of fenr rnniiliar to 5'ou*
The wars w louj^ continued Iwtweeu
The emperor Charles, and Francw the French kiitg^,
Have intereas'df in either s cause, the modt
Of the Italian princes • ; amon«r which. 8forM,
A» one of greatest power, was soujflir by both ;
But with EMiunince. hariog ooe his irieadf
The other IiyikI hia vumj*
Steph. Tis &ue :
And ^twas a doubtful choice.
Tib. But be, well knowing.
And hatifif too, it seems, the Spunish pride.
Lent bia assiataoce Ui the Kin^ af France :
Which hath so for incensed the emjieror.
That all bis hopes and honours ore embtuk'd
With his fjfTFat |wrron*!i fortune.
Suph, Which ttands fair,
For aught I yet can hear.
Tib. But should it change.
The duke'a undone. Tliev have drawn to the field
Two ro)Td armies, full of fiery youth ;
Of equal spirit to dare, and power to do :
Bo near intrencb'd t* that 'tis beyond all hope
Of human counsel thaj can e'er be serered,
ITntil it be determined by the awonl,
Who hath the better csus>a: for the surcpss
Coocliides the victor innocent, ami thw raa(|ui.<ih'd
Moat miserubly fruilty. How uticertiiin
The fortune of the war ia^ children know ;
And, it WuifT in stij^pense, on who^ie fair tent
Wing'd Victory will mnke her glorious aland.
You cannot blame the duke, though he appear
Perplexed and troubled.
Ste}}h, But why, th^n.
In such a time, when emry knra ihoold bflcid
For the succeiis und safety of his ptsrESon,
Are these loud triumphs f in my weak opinion^
TIjev are unseasonable.
Tib* I judge BO too ;
But only in the cause to be excused.
It i§ the durchfss" birUiday, once ii year
Solemnized with all fMjmp and ceremony ;
In which the duke is not his own, hut hers :
Nay, every day, indeed, be is her crealura.
For never muii so doated ; — but to tell
The tenlh part of hir* fondnesa to a BlraagATf
Would argue me of fiction,
Sieph. She's, indeed,
A lady of most exquisite form,
Tib. She knows it,
And how to pri:&e it.
* Nave interetaM rn tdther'i eautf the tnttwl
Of the Italim pHnisn ; &<:,] Ho tbe ol.| cwplet. The
TRixlcrn ledliuri, much i« Ibe advaniageuf ilw rb^'thia, read .
" Nave iiitervtted fe eitktr'* CMt»r, the moaf, fltc,"
Probably they w«r« tgooratitof the eaiatence uf »uch aw«Hil
at ii^r^Teaf, which occurJi, bowe^er, pretty freqaeiiily (n oar
old wriijera. Jabnjoa coii»ic|«>rB it aa syuouyinoas will* inter-
eaf,. but In lomt' of the exitrnplea wbkh be giWt and in
many otbert which I ewild produce'. It •eeran lo roovry mi Idea
of a more Itttimalr connexioo than U ujually uiwleritoixl by
that term; somewhat, for iuMance, like irn^nlicate, imvolve,
inwpave, Ac. an which case, H imist be dcrivwl from intrrccfo,
ihrvnG;h the medtam of the French. (Ascmer^aiuplpfor di,
I may refer tbe reailer to BciiJoD*un'tSejanii»,K Act lUic^U
" 7Tft. By the Ctpitoll
Aiwl aO our GorJt. but that the <leare Rcptiblfek
Our Mcre^^l lawift, and JaMaothoritk
Arc intereMted therein, I ibould be •UcdL"— En.)
f So war iatnswh^d, &e.] The French army was attbit
fim*? tngased ia the fits© of Pavla.umter the w«li» of whli^h
the ikcUlvc baltk waa roufhtpOd ili« 1l4lbftr PebmMiy. 13^ ,
64
TIfK DUKE OF MILAN,
[Ant
Suph, I nf'Vr lieurd her tntoted
In any point of bouour.
TiA Oq my lift*.
Fbt-'s constant to bb bed.und well detmnroi
His lari^est favoura. UnU ^hen beauty is
Starnf/d on p^»t woTnpn, parent in birth mid fortutip,
And blown by flsUliTpr^ ^rvatpr tb«ii it i»,
*Tis seldom unnccomponied with pride ;
Nor i» abe that way free : preauming on
Th« duke's affetstion. and ber own deitert.
She bean herself with such a tniijpaty.
Lotjkinij with *com on all nt thinps beneath her,
Tlj»t Sforza's mother, that would loiie no jmrt
Of what waa onee her own, nor liis* fair aisler
A liidv too acquainted widi her worth.
Will Wook it well ; and howsoe'er thmr h«t#
U ftmnthMr'd for a time, 'lia more thao iear'd
It will at leni^tb break out,
SUfph. He in whose power it is,
Tarn til to the best !
TiA» Come, let us to the court ;
We there slinll ftee all bravery and cost,
That art can boast of.
Siepli, 111 be«r you company, [ EsfunU
SCENE Ih^Amther P«m in the mme.
Enter Fkancisco, IsAnrtXA, riaiit Mariana.
Mmi. \ will not ^ ; I seom to be n spot
In Jier proud train.
/jutA. Shalll, !hut »m liis mofher,
B« so indulgent, as to wait on her
Th»l owes me duty T
Fran. Tis done to the duke.
And n ;t to her : and. my sweet wife, remember,
And, madam, if you please, receive my counwl,
As Sforza is your eon, you may command bim ;
And, as a sister, you may challenj^e fiom him
A brother's love ami favour: hut, thi^^frrtintid,
Consider he's tJie prince, and you J*is HubjectSt
And not to question or con lend with |jer
W*hom he is pleaded to honotir. Private men
Prefer tbeir wives ; and shall he. hein}< a prince,
And blest with one that is the paradise
Of sweetness, and of beauty, to whuwe charge
Tb© stock of women's g^oodnesa is (j^iven up,
Kot use ber lik«j herself?
Jmb, \'ou are ever forward
To sin^ her pmises»
MttrL UiIk'ta lire aa foir \
I am aure, a^ noble.
Fran* I detnict from none,
lit giving her what's due. Were she deform 'd,
Yet boine tbe dutcbesji, 1 stand bound to serve her ;
Bat, tt she is, to ndmire ben Never wife
Met w ith a purer heal her hnsband^s fen'otir j
A happy pair, one in the otbeT blest !
8h« CQnfuk»ut in herself he's whollv ber's.
And cannot seek for change , and he lecur©
That 'tis not iii the jkiw er of man to tempt her*
And therefore to contest with her. that is
The stronger and tlie better part of him,
la more thnn folly : vou know him of a nature
Not to he play'd witfi \ and, shauld you forget
To obey him as your prmce, he'Jt not remerober
The duty that he owes you.
1Mb. 1 w but truth :
Cune, clear our brows, stid let U6 to Uie banquet ;
Hyt not to serve his idol.
Mtt'i. I shall do
What may became the sister of a pnoce ;
But will not stoop beueath it>
Fran. Vet, be wise ;
Sotir not too high to ^ ; but stoop to risi
[EieuiL
SCENE in^—A Stai0 F«em tn lh« saawu
Kntrr ihrw Gentlemen, tettinii; fmih a hm^mL
1 Gent. Quick, quick, for love's sake ( let the
court put on
Her choicest outJiide : c«sl ind br»veiy
Be only thought of,
« Genu All that may be hsrf
To please the eye, tbe ear, tnste^ touch, or Hnull,
Are carefulJy provided.
3 Gfnt. Tbere*s a mask ;
Have you heard what's tlie invention T
1 Cent* No matter '.
It IS intended for the dut chess' honour ;
And if it g^ve her g^lorious atlributejt.
As the most fair, most virtuous, and the rest,
'Twill please the duke. They come,
3 Getd, All »» in order.
Enter TiBEaio. Stepuavo, Fravct4CO, Swaft.
M>iiiC£i.iA, Isabella, Waria^a, and Attttt4*vi*,
Sf«r, Vou ore the mistress of the fe«st — sit lie<%
O my soul'fl comfort ! and when Sforxn bows
Tlius luw to do you honour, let none think
The mesineNt *ervtc^ ihev can pnv my love.
But as a fair addition fo those titles
They stand possest of. Let me glory in
My happiness, and mighty kina:* look pale
With envy, while 1 triumph in mine owa,
mother, look on her \ sifter, adinin? her !
And, since this preeeot age yields not a woman
W orthy to be her second, borrow of
Times past, and let imagination help.
Of rho»e caiKmised ladies) Spnrtn boiisrd of.
And, in her greatness. Rome wo* proud to on*e.
To faiihion one; yet still you must con 'ess,
1 he phunijE of jierfection ne'er wia seta.
But in my fair Marcelia.
Fmii. .she's, indted,
Tlie wondiT of all limes.
Tih, Vour excellence,
Though I confer*, you give her but her owiij
Fnroes* her modesty to the ilefence
Ofasweetblueh.
Sfar. It need not, my Marceli* ;
When most I strive to praise thee, I appear
A poor detractor : for thou art, indeed.
So absolute t in body and in mind.
Thut, but to spwak the least part To the bc<iglit.
Would ask an angcfs tongue, and yet tb**ii «ii4
In silent »dmirniion !
/*uA, Vou »ttll court her.
As if she were a mistress, not your wif^e.
Sfafr, A mistress, mother ! She is more to mtp
And every day deser?cs more to be tuvt\ to.
* Fttrcei htr mr^ntii] So the c^ltiboo lOH^ v> Ui* b Cu%«iif
doe« not appear M tuve ofien rdtiaoJttcL Ilr rrtdt, tn^r ifevt
ni less, rt(foren, tboHel> it iti-itruy* ibc nitrlnr. Mr. M-
MaMin, of ciMirM-, fuIKma hkm,
t .V<7 ab^obre in hoflf and in mtind^] F^r tht» tpMu^
re^Kliae. which if ihaC iff thv t»nt tNllflMn, (W M^ctiiMl b««, JXg
pertrct ltf>ili rn hodp and in mmd, sntl ili«i» ll «l«»ll» li
P
dtsNt IlL]
THE DUKE OF MILAN.
6b
Such as are eloy'd widi thoae tbej bare ambneed,
May think their wooiiig done : no nifffat to mm
But is a bridal one, wlme Hymen lights
His torches fresh and new ; and thoae delights.
Which are not to be clothed in airy sounds,
Enjoy'd, beset desirea as full of heat
And jorial ^Bnrour, as when first I tasted
Her riririn fruit. — Blest night ! and be it nnmber*d
Amonjrat those happy ones, in which a blessing
Was, by the full consent of all the stars,
Conlerr*d upon mankind.
Mare, My worthieat lord !
The only object I bdiold with pleasure, —
My pride, my glory, in a word, my all !
Bear witness, heaven, that I esteem myself
In nothing worthy of the meanest praise
Yoo can bestow,, unleaa it be in this,
That in my heart I lore and honour you.
And, but that it would smell of arrogance.
To speak my strong desire and seal to serve you,
1 then could say, these eyes yet never saw
The rising sun, but that my vows and prayers
Were sent to heaven for the prosperity
And safety of my lord : nor nave I ever
Had other study, hut how to i^pear
Worthy jour favour ; and that my embracea
Might yield a fruitful harvest of content
For all your noble travail, in the purchase
Of her that's still your servant ; by theae lips.
Which, pardon me, that I presume to kiss
S/er. O swear, for erer swear * !
Mare. I ne'er will seek
Delight hut in your pleasure ; and desire.
When you are sated with all earthly glories.
And age and honours make you fit for heaven,
Thmt onegrave may receive us.
&f'er. nris believed,
Be&ved, my blest one.
Mori. How she winds hemlf
Into his Moul !
Sfor. Sit an^^Let others feed
00 shore gross eatea, while Sforta banquets with
Immortal viands ta'en in at his eyes.
1 could live ever thus. Command the eunuch
To aing the ditty that I hst composed,
Enltr a Courier.
In praise of my Maroelia. From whenee ?
Cew. From Pavia, my dread lord.
St'or, Speak, is aU lost ?
Cmtr, iDdwen a irtfsr.] The letter will inform
you. [Exit,
From. How his hand shakes,
Aa he receives it !
Mmri, This is some allay
To his hot passion.
5/sr. Though it bring death. 111 read it •
Majr it pUoM jfour txeeUmet to undentand, that the
wry ktmr I wrote Ais, I heard a bold defiance delivered
by m herald from the eameror, whidi wai cheerfully
received by the Kimg ef France. The battailei being
ready to join, and Ae fxmguard committed to my charge,
emferea me to end abmptfy.
Your highneu*t humble tervant^
Gaspcro.
• SftM-. O fwear, Jhr eeer ewear/] TUi ii the lection of
the tnt qaarto ; !ke tecood
MMBT/aadU"
ood poorly re««i», O tweet, for t
by Coseler and M. Msmo.
Ready to join f^hy this, then, I am notliiog.
Or my estate secure.
Mare. My lord.
Sfor. To doubt.
Is worse than to have lost ; and to despair,
Is but to antedate those miseries
That must fall on us ; all my hopes depending
Upon this battle's fortune. In my soul,
Methinks, there should be that imperious power,
By supernatural, not usual means,
T inform me what I am> The cause considered,
Why should I fear ? The French are bold and Htrong,
Their numbers full, and in their councils wise ;
But then, the haughty Spaniard is all fire,
Hot in bis executions ; fortunate
In his attempts ; married to victory : —
Ay, there it is that shakes me.
Fran. Excellent lady
This day was dedicatee to your honour ;
One gale of your sweet breath will easily [none
Disperse these clouds ; and, but your»elf, there's
That dare speak to him.
Mare. I w^ill run the haxard.
My lord !
Sfor. Ha ! — pardon me, MsTcelia, I am troubled ;
And stand uncertain, whether I am master
Of aught that's worth the owning.
Mare. I am yours, sir ;
And I hsve heard you swear, I being safe.
There was no loss could move you. I'his dsy, sir.
Is by your eift made mine. Can you revoke
A grrant made to Marcelia ? your Marcelia ? —
For whose love, nay, whose honour, gentle sir»
All deep designs, and state-afiairs deferr'd,
Be, as you purposed, merry.
Sfor, Out of my sight ! [Throws away the letter.
And all thoughts that may strangle mirth forsake me.
Fall what can fall, I dare the worst of fate :
Thpugh the foundation of the earth should shrink.
The glorious eye of heaven lose his splendour,
Supported thus, I'll stand upon the ruins,
And seek for new life here. Why are you sad ^
No other sports ! by heaven, he's not my friend,
Ihat wears one furrow in his face. I was told
There was a mask.
Fran. They wait your highness' pleasure.
And when you please to have it.
Sfor. Bid them enter :
Coroe, make me happy once a^in. I am rapt —
Tis not to day, to morrow, or the next.
But all my days, and years shall be employed
To do thee honor.
Marc, And my life to serve you.
[A ham tounded.
Sfor. Another post ! Go hang bun, hang him, I
say:
I will not interrupt my present pleasures.
Although his message should import my head :
Hang him, I say.
Mare, Nay, good sir, I am pleased
To grant a little intermission to you ;
Who knows but he brings news we wish to hear.
To heighten our delights.
Sfor. As wise as fair !
Enter another Courier.
From Gaspero?
Cour. That was, my lord.
Sfor. How ! dead ?
Cour. [Deliveri a letter.] With the delivery of
this, and prayers.
66
THE DUKE OF MILAN.
[AcT^I
Tti f^ard your excellency from certaio dangers,
Me ct^aed to bv nmnn. [Ejtii.
Sfar, All that my fcArs
Gould fashion to me» or my e!i*>mi(*s wi*h,
Is fnllen upon m^. Silence ihut hurtli muaic ;
'Ti« DOW unsemooable : a tolling^ betl.
As a and hcirbinger to tell me, ihat
Thi<i pamper'd lump of fle^h must feaat the woiro^ir
Is finer for me , — 1 am tick.
M,irc, My lord !
Sjor, Sick to thedoatli^, ^Inrct^Ua* Reraove
lliese aig*ii« of mirtli ; liiey wore oiuiuoud^ oud
bat usher'd
Sorrow aiid rula»
Mnrc. Blesa ua, best von !
I Mb, My son.
Marc. \Vhat sudden change is thia?
Sfor. All leave the room ;
ril bear alone tbe burden of my grief,
And must admit no partner. 1 dm yet
Vour prince, where'a your obedience? Slay,
Marcelia ;
I cannot bw so greedy of a sorrow,
In wbicb jou must not sliure.
JEarvfint TihfTWfStephantt, FntnctMco, Imbelta f Mariana ,
and Attentittnts^
Mure. And cheerfully
I will auHtnin my part, Wby look you pele?
Where is tbot wontwl constancy, and coum^.
That diired tlie w orst of fortune ? where is Sfona,
To nbom all dimjE^ers, that fngbt common men,
Appear*d but ponie terrors t why do you eye me
With such fix'd looks] love» counaef, duty, aervite^
May flow from me, not danger*
*%f}\ 0, Murcelia •
It is for thee I fear ; for thee. tJiy Sforxa
Sbiikea like a coward ^ for myself, umuoved
1 coulfl have beard my iroopis werw cut in pieces,
JIv funeral alain, and^ be^ oti whom my Ijopes
Of rule^ of atnie, of life, bad thfir deiM-ndente,
The King of France, my g^refttedt friend, made pri-
soner
To so proud enemies f-
Mfire. Tlien you have just cause
To show you are a man.
Sfitr. All this were nothing:,
Thouijh 1 add to it, lliat I am assured.
For [giving' aid to this uufortunute king,
The emperor, iiicens'd, bya hi4 commund
On hia Tictoriona army, rfesh'd with apnil,
And bold of conquest, to march up aj^ninst me,
And seise on my e.^tates ; MUppoae thiit done too,
The city ta'en, the kennela running blooil,
The ran!^ack*d temples falling on dieir Huints ;
My mother, in my Higbt, toss'd on their pikes,
At»d lister raviali'd ; and myself bound iu.it
In chains, to grace their trium[«b ; or what else
• SU:k to ihe dfnth,] Tbi? modern «*<lirori omU llie oitkclt^^
•0 Um tg Umt Injary of ihe meirc iliaii »i ilic lungoatfc of the
puKtr ^hleh vra^, iuik'etl, ihtl of liic iimi'.
t Th«rc i* N «lriktii^ »luiiUrViy U» Mr. GitcUriit ol>a«n,e«
tn mc) bvtWficn this |»m4](c^ aud Uiv paitJug speech wf
Hector nod AjidrtiinaHic ;
AXX' u jijot T(H0wv Tofftjoi* fiiktt aXyoc oir«ro'<ii,
OvT avrttc 'Exa^tf^', urt llfHitfivio nvtiK-ifg
Ovrt rrt^iynjTwi', U mtv iruXttt; ri aai f(T3Xoc
Rv Kovipfn rriffoitv vir* avfpaai Svafiivtmutt,
0^9ov «ei, r. r. a* tl n, 450.
An enMny** insolence could load roei with.
I would oe 8for%a stilL But, wJien 1 thmk
That my Marcelia. to whom all tlieae
Are but as atoms to the greatest hdl.
Must suffer in my etuse, and for me sulfer !
All Fiirthty torments, nay, ereu thfise thr damn'y^
Howl for in hell, are ^cil« strokes, com|iiu«d
To what 1 feel, Marceha.
Miliar. Good air, bare patience :
I can as well partaVe your adrerae fnrtnn<e.
As I tl'iUH long hare had an ample share
Ju your prosperity. Tis not in the |iofr«r
Of fate lo alter me : for whiJ© 1 am,
In spite of it, I'm your*.
Sjor, But should that will
To bo BO, be furceil*, Marcelia ; and I Ure
lo see those eyes I priie ahov^ niv .>wn
Dart fiiTOurs, though compell'd. \.-t ,
Or those sweet lips, yielding ini ir.
Be p'utly touched by any but rnvbtlf ^
liiink, ihiuk. Marcelia, what • curbed tiling
1 were, beyond eicpreaaioQ !
jVfarc. Do not feed
lliu^ie jealous thoughts ; the only blevUBn^ thai
Heoven hath bestow'd on us, more ihiin ou beasts.
It, tbtit *tis in our pleasure when to di^.
iit»sides, where 1 now in another's ]>ower.
There are so many ways to let out hfo,
I would not live, for one short minate. bi»;
J WHS born only yours, and I will di« ao,
Sjhr, Angels reward the goodness of this i
Enter F»ASCiaco.
All I ctui pay is nothing. — Why, uncall'd for*
I'nnu Jt U of weight, sir, that makes me iLuk
pr*3S
Upon your privacirs. Vour constnnt friend,
1 ht« nnir(]uis of Pttscani. tirtxl with haste,
Haith husiiae>:3s that concerns your life and fortujM^
And with sjwed, to imjmrL A
S/lir. Wait on him hitlier : [ Kxit Frunett:* '
An(]l, dearest, to thy closet. Let thy prmy«rs
Assist my councils.
Marc, To spare imprecations !i
Aguirast myself, without you 1 am nothing*, f Ull*
Sjor. The m art |u is of Pescarn ! a grvat soldiairt \
And, though he berv'd upon the adverse partr,
Ever my consUint friend.
Enter FaANCiMso and Pescara,
Fran. Ynnder he wulks,
Full of sad thoughts,
Fete* Blaine him not, good Francisco,
He hath much cmisa to grieve ; would I Oiiglit
end so,
And nut add this, — to fear.
Sjor, !\ly dear Pescura ;
A mir^ole in these times [ a friend, and Happy,
Cknves to a falling foituue *
• But ghptild that ufiil
To be *f>. Ucf^JTCi'd ] 1 liJivu vpiiiitr*^ to jntrrt k», whirli
wii» prub.fhlv tlrupt at the prtw. hefmrir Jbnv^l. (In 'hf R^IIL
of 18 J 3, Mr Gilffrtl bdhK ^Utridiht xtt thr .- - .m
«mtndAtiun, bai ttipptK-d tlm d\.*vv o( ihc uf
»pj|C4.<ji, thtti ' > -. I have iKiwrvrr rudtin n^'l
corrvcditit, whkh t tlifiik iiipifrkMr lo llw •m1.^, .j^ijr tn ,u«rj
alihuafh uiii>ecci»!hiiry tu the rhyituii and p«rti4p« rcDd«ria|lfe»
vi-rw rufbtT liiarfli,— Eil)
dnk« dor* not etui^K^ctJit*' the tncnu of roic^r^ ; be •»«*, 1»^
dttHt. • grtat »,iI4it^* ^i ruriuhntv cnnimandt'r, an nhiv tn^f^
^Ulor, Iq « word, onr nf Uir ^^iloft arD«in«j]i* of a pw4im4
wliicb sboiiiidrd In e&traurdluflry ch«ncirnk
mam
in.]
THE DUKE OF MIIAN.
67
% I/it
n in my weak power, in ftct, to ruse it,
to bear ■ put of sonrow with yoa,
imi ■boak] have juit <
to My, pMcim
rirt4]«s,
It opoB yoor iialB, but on your
he made sait lo be writ in the liat
>se you fiiTOQr'd^ But my hule forbida
mplimeat ; thuB, then sir, to th« purpoae :
kuse Uitil, unfttteodM), brought me htUaiir,
ot to leil you of voor loss, or dsng«r;
RM bith many wings to bring ill tidings,
pfffluine ]pou>« heard it ) but to givf« 3'ou
rhmdij couJ&a^ as, perhaps, nisy make
Hid disaster less,
. Your are alt goodiiaaa :
give u|» myself to be disponed of,
jrowr wisdom you think fic
. Thus, then, air:
m you can hold out against the emperor,
flatftvy in yoiirielf*, to your undoing :
brv, the aaroat course that you can take,
pTB up yo42rwlf to his discretion,
you be oomp«U*d ; for, rei t assured,
intary yieldtiig may find gmt^t
rill admit defiaice, at Icfttt excuse :
boo Id "you linger doubtfiil, till his powers
Mixed your person and estates perforce,
ittst expect extremes.
. I unaerBtand you ;
will put your eoonael into act,
peedijy. 'l only will take order
me domestical ailairs, tliat do
m me nearly, and wttli the next sun
rith you : in the mean time, my best friend,
aka your rest,
:. Indeed, I hare trareird bard ;
tU embrace your counsel* [ £iif.
. With alt care,
I my noble friend,, ^tav voti. Francittco*
m bow things stand wltli me ?
», To my ffnef :
the loss o?my poor life could be
ifioa to restore them as they were,
IgYy would lay it down.
» 1 think so;
ntii tfer found you true and thanklul,
me love the building I bare raised
r advancemant ; and repent no grace
iMiaferr'd upon you. And, believe me,
II now I should repeat nij' favours to you,
dia 1 have giren vou, snil the means
• to your honours ; that I thought you
f my nater and my family,
my dukedom made yon next myself}
>t to upbraid you ; but to tell you
rou are worthy of them, in your Ioto
Trice 10 me.
t* 8ir, I am your creature ;
by abape, tbat you would have me wear,
f win put 00.
Tbua, than, Francisco :
MB to deliirer to your trust
fbtjT secret ; of so s&ango a nuture,
riJI, I know« appear so mons^troua to you,
m will tremble m the execution,
dl M I am tonwred to oommsnd it :
pa^llsttery la Miirsi{r*] S». bntU the qntrloi ; titc
'~lon nMHl, ffVrv llAUarios yourvif.
For 'tis a dead ao borrid, that, but to bcw it.
Would strike into a ruffian 0eab*d in mordara,
Or an obdurate hangman, nofi compasaioo ;
And yet, Francisco, of all men tl»e deorest.
And from me most deserving, soch my state
And strange condition ia, that thou alone
Mnat know tbe fatal service, and perform tt,
Fra». Tbeae preparaCiona, air, to work a stranger,
Or to one unacquainted with your bounties,
flight appear uacfnl *, but to me they are
Needleaa tmpertinenciea ; for I dare do
Whatever you dare command*
S/ar, But you must awear it ;
And put into tbe oath all joys or tormenti
Tbat fright the wicked, or confirm tlie good ;
Not to conceal it only, that is nothing.
But, whensoeVr my will shall speak. Strike now \
To fall upon*t like thunder.
Fran, Minii«ter
The oatb in any way or form you pleasei
I stand resolved to tiik^ it,
Sjhr. Tbmj ruuHt do, tlmn,
What no malcYolunt star will dare to look on,
It is so wicked : for which men will curse thee
For being the instrument ; and the blest ang«ls
Forsake me at my need, for being the author :
For 'tis a deed of nij^ht, of night, Francisco!
In which the memon* of all good actions
We can pretend lo, t^ll be buried quick :
Or, if we be remember *d, it shall be
To fright posterity bv our example,
That have outgone ah precedents of villains
That were before un ; and luch as incceed,
Though taught in hAl'ti blMck school, shulll neVr
Art tliou not shaken yet ! [comG near us»
Frnn. 1 grant you more me :
But to a man confirra'd
Sjhr. Ill try your temper ;
What tliink you of my wife 1
Fran, Aa a tiling sacred ;
To whose fair name md OMOiory I pay gladly
These tigris of duty.
Sfor, is she not the abstract
Of all that's rare, or to be wiah*d in woman ?
Fran. It were a kind of blasphemy (o dispute it:
But to the nuipose, «ir.
SJhr* Add too, h**r goodness,
Her tenderness of me, her care to pleane me,
HtT iuiaus{>ected chaslitv* ne'er equall'd ;
Her innocence, her honour : — O, 1 am lost
In t}]e ocean of her virtues and her graces,
When I think of tbem !
Fraiu Now I find the end
Of all your conjurations ; there's some service
To be done for this sweet lady. If she have (
That she would have removed
Sfar, Alas ! Francisco,
Her greatest enemy is her greatest lover \
Yet, in that hatred, her idobter.
One smile of her*s would make a savage 1
One accent of tliat tongue would calm the seas,
Though all the winds at once strove tbere for
enmire.
Yet I, for whom she tliinks all this too little,
Should I miscarry in this present journey,
From whence it is atl number to a cipher,
I ne'er return with honour, by thy band
Must have her murder \i.
Fran. Murder'd ! — She that lovea ao,
And so deserres to be beloved again !
9 2
Aad I, nrbo sotnetime* you were pletded lo firour,,
Pick'd out the intrtmient!
Sj'ftr, Do not fly off:
WUnt ia decreed can lu^Ter be r^cnird ;
*Tu more than lore to het, that marks her oat
A wijh*d c«inp«nion to me in both fortunes :
And jitron^ assurance of thy zealous faitb^
That gives up to thy trust a ■«cret, that
Rae Its should out faa?e forced from ine. O^ Franckco !
Tliere is no heaven without her ; nor a hell,
Wb«rQ she resides. I f^k from her but justici*.
And what I would have paid to h^r, had Aickoe^s,
Or say other accident, divorced
fler purer soul from her unspotted body **
The tloviah Indian princet, when they die,
Ara cbet^rfuHy attended tu the fire,
By the wife and shiTe that, liv-ingr. they loved best*
To do them service* in another world :
Nor will I be lej« honour'd, that lore moits
And therefore trifle not, but in thy looks
ExpT^ess a ready purjjose to perform
What I conumuid; or, by Marcelia'i aovl,
ThiM is thv latest minute.
Fran* 'lis not fear
Ofdenth, but love to you, makes me embraee it :
fhit for mine own seciuritv, when *tis doOfe,
^Vhiit warrant havo 1 ? If^you please to %i^ ooev
I alftill, tboufjrh with unwillingness atid borror,
t*erronn your dreadful charge.
SJhr, I will, Fraiicittco:
Bu' still remember, that a prince's secrets
Atb balm, coiicealM ; but poijkon, if diacttvflt*d*
I mav come back ; then thi» is but m trial
Jo purchase tiii^e, if it were possible,
A nearer place in my affectioii : — bat
I know thee bonest.
Fran. 'Tis a chnraoter
I will not part with.
Sjiw, 1 may Live to reward it*. [fspmit.
ACT 11,
SCENE 1.-7^ mm*. An ^ii Spaai hefwt th*
CaiUt,
Enter Ttaanio and SrcpnANa*
St€ph> How, lefV the court !
Tth. Without ^iiard or retinue
Fitting a prinre.
Stei)h. No enemy near, to force him
To leave his own strengths, yet deliver up
Himiielf, as 'twere, in hoods, to the discretion
Of him that hates him ! 'tis beyond example.
You never beard the motives that induued him
To this strati ji^e course ?
Tth» No, those are cabinet councils,
And not to be communicated, but
To sufih as are hia own, and sure. Alas {
We till u\y ompty places, and in public
Are taught to g^ive our suffraij-es to that
Wbifb was before determined ; and are safe so.
Signior Francisco (upon whom alone
His absolute power is w\\h all stren^h conf**rr'd,
During his absence) C4in with eue resolve you :
To me th«fy are riddles.
Sitffh, Well, he shall not be
My (£dipus ; IHl rather dwell in darknesa.
But, my good lord Tiberio, tliis Francisco
Is, on the sudden, strmigely raised.
Tih, O sir
He took the toriving coursi* : hp had a sisterf,
A fair one too, witli whom, as it is rumoured,
'llie duke was too familiar ; but abe, cast off
(What promises »oev«r past b«tweaii tbem)
In p«rfrct curtcttrrtDci' 'wtib iht* prM'iice of MitKilncrr'a am^
remntf^irliM, ror purr, ttte t:uiii|v4rAlive for tli* |;M4ii)v«. Sec
Ibr Vaivaiurjil CuiTihi*!.
f " — //*• hitd a •<^«fi*r, &c.] Tlti'fc i« gri'il irl in thil
inirvdm t Ion of K\\r r^lili-r- Id (hv jtianni^t-itii'iil vt ihi>«e prc*-
Krmory l()iil«, MA»ing4'r Btirpftaje* ni\ his coutcni|»orrfrici«
, flcanmonl ftfitli FMchfr, " itie einl Si)!!!' hfom f^ifgrf-* ihc
liegiDiiliix .** anil evin 8htikftp«af« ii (ihI rhik«l> rrn- fmtn
inaiteialMm <>f « ilmilAr a^tiin^ 1 y^iW oni firrv ||ir*i» rlw
^OvmI Micliy oC tmi nnlhor'* |iIh»; btii H|i«tfirci ihry
wriT. hi- tcpmi to biivt i}itmi(c'l> ^rrMugc^l »ll the cumpttiiriit
(inrii before « line of lti« ilU(i>t**^ w Mniiien.
Upon tbe sight of tbisf. forsook tbe court.
And since was never seen. To smother tbla.
As honours never fait to purchase silence,
Francisco first was graced, and, step by step,
Is raised up to this heigh L
Stqih. But how is
Hi« absence bom \
TiK Hadly, it seems, by the dutcbe«»;
For since he left the court.
For tbe most part she hath kept ber private cliambeTf
No visitants admitted, in tlie church,
Bbe bath been seen to pay her pure dc'votioos
Season 'd with tears ; and sure her sorrow *s true.
Or deeply counterfeited \ f^mp^ and atiife.
And bravery cast of : and she, that lately
Hivaird Poppica in lier varie<i jibapes,
Or the Egyptian queen, now, widow.Iik«,
In sable colours, as her husband's dnrig^rs
StmngliHl in her the use of any pleasure,
Mouni!^ for hift abjH*nce.
Sttph, h becomes her virtue,
And does coniinn what was reported of her.
TiL Vou take it right : but, un the other aide.
The darling of hi^ mnthcir, Manana,
As there were an antiiuitliy between
Her and tlie duichess passions ;; and as
She'd no dependence on her brothers fortune^
She neW a^pear'd so full of mirth.
Sttph, ^Tis strange.
Entir GitAcciJu tcith Fiddlers.
But see ! her favourite, and acootnpuiied.
To youf reporL
Urae, Vou shall scrape, nnd I will uag
A scurvy ditty to a acurvy tune,
Rt«pine who tiareo.
• The «bs«<TV9)r{ori« In Iti* E*»«y pi^"***^ lo ihis Volncnr,
prediiHt lh^> ncfMit^ *it *u\ n iniirWk nrmn mr, on rhb «4
inimhlt^ tct'iir : it U »rfiiii, Kuwcv* r, tu have »ii|,r«i«#c«1 rbc
rrillc »altetitiun,(tc» ihc nttnUtM nL'fElcirl at ihr «•»«,> kl tm
*»'iUl£' *'. in Juslict^ to Ihv ••ith«r, thjil U \i r>4UAUed, 1^ rw4
«tir|iji»»c<l, h) bitiMr *>r Itir ^uci'iMNlint ***i«, unci, niiiunt il«
rfil. by iliAt whirh rottcliulL't th* •rcuod •«.
f i pon fh» tight nf ttiU, Acc.J Utf.vtiht pn^nt «l»(rhr m.
ScEifi L]
THE DUKE OF MILAN,
bV
1 Fid. But, if we should ofTend,
The dutch«ss hav-uij^ sUeuoed us^-HUid theaa lords
Stand by to bear ut.
Grst. They b name are lorda,
But I am one in power : and, for the dutcheoa,
Bui yesterday we were merry for her pl©aflur».
We DOW '11 be far my lady'a.
Tih, Signior Gmccho,
Gntc A poor man, «r, a ierrwit to the princeaa j
Bat you. great lords* and couuaelloi* of atnte,
Whom I ctand bound fo reTerence.
Tib, Come ; we know
You are a man in grace.
Ctwc. Fie • no : I prant.
I hmt my fortuoea patiently ; aerve the princeaa,
And bare acceaa at all timea lo ber closet*
Such ts my impudence ! when your grave lordshipi
Are mastera ol tbe modeaty to attend
Three boura, nay aometimea foor^ tad ihea bid
Upon her the next momiof . [wait
5l«pA, He derides us.
Ti*. Prav you. what tiewa is atirriDg ? yoo know
€iTtMt, W'bo» I ? alas ! I've no intt'lligence [all.
At home nor abroad ; I onlr sometimeti ^esa
The cbftn^ of tbe times ; f abould ask of your tord-
abips
Who are to keep tbeir honours, wbo to lose them :
Who tbe dotcbees smiled on last^ or on wb^om frown 'd.
You only can resolve me ; we poor waiters
Deal, aa yon aee< in mirth, and footiab fiddles :
It is our element 1 and — could you tell mn
What point of state 'tis tb«t I am coram nnded
To muster up this mu^c, on mine hone»tyj
Ya« afa«mld much bpfHpiid me<
5lepA. Sirrab. you ^row ?mucy.
Tib. And would be kid by the beela.
Grac, Not hv your lordships^
Without a special warmnt ; looli to your own stakes ;
Were I committed » here come those would bail me ;
Perbapa^ we might change places too.
£nt«r laAHELLA, and Maiuaka.
T?h, Tbe princeaa t
We mast be patient.
Sttpk, There i» no contendinf^.
716. See, the informing rogue !
StipA, That we should stoop
To such a moabroom !
Mmri, Thou dost mistake ; they ilurst not
Uae the least word of acorn, althoufrh | provoked,
To any thing of mine. Go, gt?t you home,
And to your aenrants^ friends, and fluttcrers number
How many descentu you're nohle ; — look lo your
wive* too ;
The smootb-cbinn'd courtiers are abrotd.
Tib, No way to be a fr««man !
Eieuttt Tilterifl and Ssephano,
Gt&c. Your excellence bnt h the beiit gi^ to dispatch
These arraj pictures of nobiUtyi
I ever reed of.
MaH. I can speak lometimeiS.
Grae. And cover so your hitter pills, with sweet*
or princely laniraage to forbid reply, [uess,
They are greedily swallowed.
Imh, Rut lo fb© purpose, daughter,
Thai bnngs us hither, is it to bestow
If •MM ekcKtsM lo dcvijitv Trom fhein^ sntl fend B%$ jftm are
jpnMf iMTMtr, iKc. N«V4rr mm* Alivmioo more aanecetMry.
A visit on thii woman, that, bfcauae
She only would be thought truly to grieve
1 he abnenoe and tbe dangers oi my aoa^
ProctainiH a getieral sadiMas?
AJtiri. If to vex her
IVIsiy be interpreted to do her honour,
i^lie shall have nwny of tbem. I'll make use
Of ray abort reign : my lord now governs all ;
And she ubiill kriow that her idolitter.
My brother, l>eing not by now to protect her,
I am her eooal.
Grot, Ota little thing,
It ia so full of gall* ! A devil of this siw,
^boutd they run for a wager to be spitefuh
Gets not a horse-head of her. \_Asid«,
Mart. On her birtliday,
^V *' were forced to he merry, *nd now ahe'a musty,
\\ e must be sad, on pain ot* her displeasure :
We will, we will \ tbia ia her private chamber,
Vir here, like an hypotrile, not a true turtle,
She seeixiM to mourn her ubiient mate ; bi*r servonca
At ten di tig her like mutf s : but 111 speak to her,
And in ti high key too. Play any flung
That'i* light and loud enough but to torment her,
And we will have r»t9 sfiort. [Mudc and a jff^gf.
Maaceua apimtn at a Window above, in btatJt.
tub* She frowns na if
Her looks could fright us,
Mttri, M^y it plea^^e your greAtneas.
We hi^ard that your lute phyiiic huth not workM ;
Atid timt breeds melaticholy, as your dcn^tor tells ua
To purge which, we, that are bom yuur highneaa'
▼BsaaU,
And are to play the fool to do you service.
Present you with a fit of mirth. What think you
Of a new antic I
laab, 'Twould show nu*e iu ladtea.
Mart. Being intended for so sweet a creature.
Were she but pleased to grace it.
Jmb, Fie ! ahe will.
Be it ne'er ao mean ; she*a made of courtesy.
Jl/ari. The mjMtresa of aU hearts. Utie amile, 1
pray you.
On your poor servants, or a fiddler^s fee ;
Coming from those fair hands, though but a ducat,
Wi^ will jubhrine it as a holy rtdic.
Isiih. 'Tiii wormwood, and it works*
Mare. If I lay by
Mv fearn and griefs, in which you should be stmrers,
U" dating age could let you but re]aQeml>er,
Vou have u son ; or frontless impudence.
Voti are a sister ; and in nuking answer^
* iQfKr. Of a hule Ihlne,
It hwfuit a/fffsUl} Nothing mnre ttrnngly marfctt ihe
poierly «iif the atJiije in tho»e tliuei, than Ibe rneqarnl allQsiciiDk
I** liud lu fhc di&e tif tbr «tt»"r», i^tUcti mny tw ctnuWereiJ
u » kind of qpitli?;^' Iu ibr ■udi«iice. It i> not pofsiblr to
a«c«:ii4iu >vho pkytn} ilic part of Mariann, bnl g.t wai, tjot
improbably, Tbvuphiliit BcMtmc, «hi» acted Paiilioa in^ the
Rem^adu, wliere »n rKpre^iion uf ihe M,ine nature iM-furs.
DumitiM«, lo tht Ramaa.i4ci€Mr,u m\po little ; tlir wa» played
by John HtinQicifimn. I do not condemn thrM: iniJircct apo-
iOfciea; indrvd, Ibtrf ap{iCMra>to be t^'inttldug of i>ixid Aen*«
In them, um! of proper deiirrtncf tu ibe umli-r»tjin/tlini:» of ll>e
aeilieace. At pr«»«iii, wc rvu imrrpiilljr Into evirry «p4i^i*»t
vf utiinnlity, inen iDd womnn unwi^ldi} at oncv li-om ngf
and fitinicca, take npt^n thi-mthL' pairit of aclivf buy t .lod girU;
«Ad it ia noi only in a paniominie ibat ««: arc accuiitxined
to fev cbildrcD of rim feet Jtiigb to leading strings [
^ A tomf] Thlv, like many ui lie r», due* not «|)pear ; tt was
probably lupplled at pleaiurv, by tbe setoff
L
68
THE DIKE OF MILAN.
(Act IT.
And I. who KMBedmcB joa wen phand to frroor,
Pick'd oot the mtnuBMit!
Sfar. Do not fly off :
Whit is decreed cen nerer be recall'd ;
'Tis more than lore to her, that wamtk* her out
A wi&h'd compenioo to me in both fortnnee :
And stronfT assnimnce of thy scaloo* finth.
That ^res up to thy trust a secret, that
Racks should not hare forced from me. O, Francisco !
There is no bearen without her ; nor a bell.
Where she restides. I ask from her but justice.
And what 1 would have paid to her, had sickness.
Or any other accident, dirorced
Her purer aoni from her unspotted body *.
I'he slarisb Indian princes, when they die.
Are cheerfully attended to the fire.
By the wife and slare that, liring, they lored best.
To do them serrice in another world :
Nor will I be less honoured, that lore more.
And therefore triito not, but in thy looks
r purpose to perform
nd ; or, by MarDelia's wonl»
Express a readr i
What Id
This is thr latest minnte.
Fran. *tisnot fiear
Of death, bat lore to yon, makes me <
But for mine own securitr, when *tiB dooe.
What warrant hare I ? If you pleese to sig^ one,
I shall, though with onwillingneM and iKMTor,
t*erform your dreadful cbaiige.
Sfar. f will, Francisco:
But still remember, that a prince's ■ e er eti
Are balm, coneeal*d ; but pouon, if discoirer'd.
I may come beck ; then this is but a trial
1 o purchase thee, if it woto possible,
A nearer place in my affectioa : — but
I know thee hooesL
Fran. Tis a charaeter
I will not part with.
Sj'ar. I may lire to reward it*. [Eaaat
ACT II.
SCENE L^The tame. An open Spaet brfort tkt
Castle,
Enter Tibbrio and Stepbano.
Steph, How, left the court !
Tib. Witliout g:uard or retinue
Fittinf? a prince.
Staph. No enemy near, to force him
To leare his own strengths, yet delirer up
Himself, as 'twere, in lx>nd8, to the discretion
Of him that hates him ! 'tis beyond example.
You never heard the motires that induced him
To this strange course ?
Tib. No, those are cabinet councils.
And not to be communicated, but
To such as are his own, and sure. Alas !
We fill up emptj places, and in public
Are Uught to eire our suffram to tliat
Which was before determined ; and are safe so.
Sipior Francisco (upon whom alone
His absolute power is with all strength conferred,
During his absence) can with ease resolre you :
To me they are riddles.
Steph, Well, he shall not be
My (Edipus ; HI rather dwell in darkness.
But, my good lord Tiberio. UiU Francisco
Is, on the sudden, strangely raised.
Tib, O sir
He took the tnriring course : he had a sistert
A fair one too. with whom, as it is rumour'd
1^ duke was too fiuniUar ; but she. cast off'
( W hat promises soerer past between them)
laatteatloat «r a Umllar ••laVT 1 w??j;*L'*'>' ^^ <>««
««««»he Mnnslo have mlaairlv irV!!' t«« . ^»»«teYer tWy
Upon the sight of thisf, fonook the ooiiit»
And aince was nerer seen. To amother thSa,
As honours nerer fiul to purehaae aileno,
Francisco first was mcea, and, step bj stop.
Is raised up to this lieight.
Steph. But how is
His absence bom 1
7i6. Sadly, it seems, by the dutcbeaa ;
For since he left the court,
For the most part she hath kept her priralia ehaiaber.
No risitants admitted. In the chareh.
She hath been seen to pay her pure derotioDS
Season'd with tean ; and sure her aorrow'a tme.
Or deeply counterfeited ; pcmip, aod atate.
And brarery cast of : and she, that lately
Rivaird Poppiea in her raried shapea.
Or the Egyptian queen, now, widow-like.
In sable coloura, as her husband's dangers
Strangled in her the use of any pleaaine.
Mourns for his absence.
Stepk. It becomes her rirtue.
And does confirm what was reported of her.
Tib. You take it right : but, on the other aide^
The darling of his mother, Mariana,
As there were an antipathy between
Her and the dutchess paasions ; and aa
She'd no dependence on her brother'a fortane.
She ne'er appear 'd so fiill of mirth.
Staph, Tis strange.
Enter Graocho with Fiddlera.
But see ! her iarourite, and acoompaDied,
To your report.
Grae. You shall scrape, and I will ainr
A scurry ditty to a scurry tuoe.
Repine who darea.
• The obiervslloM Id the Emy pieflxed to this Votome,
preclmie the ncccMiiy «.f any remsrkii fhmi me, on thto srt-
iiilreUe vcene : as It veemt, huwever, to have easnwrcd the
critic s ittentUm,(u> the nuinlreM neglect oT the reit.) let ne
•«•!«««. in jiwtice to the author, that it U euaalled. if iioc
raritavMd, by tonie of the tocceedlnc oaea, aiid. amonc the
reM, by that which conclaclet the KcuaA act.
U. LSUm^ •^^ ^ thU, AcJ i. e. or the pieteat datchm.
70
THE DUKE OF MILAN.
[AcTli»l
To what w«8 moftt unfit for you to spcak^
Or me to h«ir» borrow of my ju«t iingw— -
Imh, A act tnewh, on my life.
Man. Peuu a by bet cbnplain. [ap*iilc,
Marc, Yea J it* chii speak, witbout mttructiun
And tell your want of manners, that you lire nide»
And Bnuoily nide» too.
Grac, Now tbe game begins.
Afore. You durst not, ©lae, on iiny hire or hope,
Remembering what I am, and whose I am.
Put on the desperate boldness, to disturb
The least of my retirvmentA,
MarL Note her, now. [presume
Mtirc, For both ihall understand, 1 bough the one
Upon the privilege due to a mother.
The duke stands now on hia own lege, and needs
No nufise to lead him.
iMtb. How, a tiWAe ?
Marc* A dry one.
And uielesitoo : — but I lim merciful,
And dotage signs your p^irdou.
Itub. I defy tliee ;
Thee, and thy pardons, proud one.
Marc, For you , pupp^'t
Miiri. What of me» pine-treef !
Marc. Littl** you are, I gmnt.
And hare as litiJe worth, but much lona wit ;
You durst not else, the duk» b«m|^ whcjllv mine,
His power and honour mine, aud t}K< iillegriuice,
Yovi owe him, as a subject, due to me—
MarL To you I
Mure, To me : and therefore, as a rassal,
From this hoyr learn to serve me, or you'll fee*
I muiit moke uie of my nutbority,
Aud, as princess, puciLah it*
hak A princess !
Mart. I had rather be a slave unto a Moor,
Than know thee for my cquaL
luih. Scornful thing !
Pruud of a white face.
Mart. Let her but rememberl
The issue in her leg*
Itab, The charge she puts
The state to, for perfumes.
Mori, And howsoever
She seems when she*s made up, as sbe's herself,
She itiuks above tlie ground » O thnt 1 could reach
The little one you scorn so, with her nails [you !
* M*Tc. Kta, it ran «39ttt4i]
«litioai, Km, t aumpioAf
So the iM copluM : ibe iiMKlem
t Wsrc For ymu, |»fipp«t
Msri. W1ltf/<i/*«»wf, piiicfrocT]
" Now ] prreclrc 1b*i tbt hutb made coinpire
Bt'twren oar fixtures"
Puppet ami ma}f poUf, And tn»iiy oihcr tcrieiui of equal rlc(»n«f
arc bJiQiUed -tbi^ut b<.'tw.i.H'n Ut^raili «ndl |Jcleii«» la Mid-
mtmmer- \iijht s Drmm, which ti here loo ckt^tfly ImiuteU,
I fbrbeai ic qnMtc: tlji' |>4»sagci, Mrliklh are famUUr lu every
itader of |^hak»peiirc.
I MdrL f^t her 6Mt mrnnrtbrr, Ike] Per thii, Matddfer
b indebted to lu« rc,«(K-cuhk antboiitj, to tli« tretcberoiu
loqnaclty of the dtitdit «9'> tiaUijtj; womna, la her midiijifht
eonfetfncp with Don Qaixixt^. Tht-ie trall§, bowevrr <li»-
tV>lio£t *rr not wilbiml thetr value; thry tilrf>ticly murk tli«
prevniuifiC fi-aiarct of i\w thnc't, which are unWerMlly eoirw
■Qd tnitflicjti* : th(?Y cvhttnt «l»ri a circumfisacc worthy of
panicitUr notice, nAJiu-ly , UiAt i]s«ft.- viguroiu poweri of gmim
Whiih carry men far b^'ynnd Ihc litirary •lmt« of thi^tr age,
do m*t c-nalik* thorn to oiiitjo th«t of Iti inaniipni. Tliii in«»i
•crvi- a« at\ apoIi>^" fi.r otir amthor; ludeed, it i» ihp only
Oflv Ihrtt irtft he oitered for matiy who ttaod liiglicr in the
ranki of fame than MuMfagctrStMl who bavt still more nct.*d
ofU,
Would tear your painted fSioe, sad aotttch i1io«* I
Do but come down. [«J^ ^'^^ I
Marc. Were there no other wsy,
Out leapiuji^ an thy neck» to break mine ow
Rather than be outbraved thus. [Sk§ i
Grac» Forty t^uests
Upon the little hen : she's of th« kind,
And will not leare tbe pit. [jUid»<> I
Mart. Tbat it were lawful
To meet her with a pouiard and a pintol !
But these weak hands shall shew my apleen*
jRe-enter I^lAncELU behm*
Mart, MTiere are von !
You modicum, you dwarf!
MarL Ifpre, g:inntess, here,
£ntfr Francisco, Tibehio, and Stxpuatvo^
Fran, A tumult in the court !
Mari, Let her come on,
Fran. What wind hath raised this temped ?
Sever them, I commood you. \Vhat*8 the cause f
Speak, Mariana.
Mari 1 am out of breath j
But we shall meet^ we shall. — And do you besr ^i
Ur ri|;ht me on this monster, (she's thi«e feet
Too high for a woman,} or ne'er look to have
A quiet hour with me.
Isab, If my son were here,
And would endure this, maj a mother's cam
Pursue and orertake him t
Fran, O forbear :
In me he^s present, both in power and wiTT ;
And, madam, 1 much grieve that, in his ubsencr.
There should arise the least distaste to move fcn i
h being his priucipal, luiy, only charge,
To have you, in his absence, served and honour'd,
Ai when him«elf perform'd the willing office.
Maru This is nne, i'fmtb.
Grac. I would I were well off! (not,
Fran. And therefore, 1 beseech you, madam, frown
Till most unwittingly he hath deserved it.
On your poor serviint j to your excelleuoe
I ever was and will be such ; and lay
The duke 'a authority* trusted to me.
With willingness at your feet.
iljcirt". O base !
Imb. We are like
To have an equal judge I
Frai». Butj should I find
That you are touch 'd in any point of honoor
Or that the least neg^lect is lairu upou yoa,
1 then iinnd up a prince.
I Fid, ^Vitbout reward,
Prav you dismiss us.
Grac, Would I were five leases benoe !
Fniri, 1 will be partial
To nonei not to myself;
Be you but pleased to shew me my offence.
Or if yoQ hold me in your g^ood opinion »
Name tliose that have offended you.
Imb. I am one,
And 1 will justify it.
Mart. Thou art a base fellow,
To take her part.
Fran. Remember, nhta the dutehess.
Marr. But used with more contempt, than if t
A peasant 8 daughter ; baited, and hooted at.
Like to a common stnmipet ; with loud noisee
Forced firom my prByeri ; and my private elmmber,
Which, with all willin|^oess» I would make my pritoii
i
k
k
I
^
*:
I
Dttriar ^« ill— irw of toy lonl» dcmied in« :
Bat tf 1>» «W return
Fmn. Were yon am actor
In ihis lefrd ooiEi«>dj 1
Mari. A J, many wi» I j
Ajid will be on* again.
imh. in join with her.
Though jTOu fvptne «i it.
Frmm, Think not, then, I ipeak,
For I sluul bound to honour, and to nerve you,
tint th*.f the dyke, that hve* in t]itg great imly.
For thfc oontflDpt of him in h«r, commwidsi you
l«dk. Mari, Prisonenl
FfVH, fi««r then beno« ;
Thit m jronr charge, my tend Tlbeno,
Aadl, StephBDo, this is yours.
Jl«rc I am not cruel,
list pilnnnd tbiM^ mav haT« liberty.
iimh^ Pleased, witb a miscliisf f
Jlcrt. Ill imther Iitc in any loatJi^otne dungeon^
Tlan in a paradise at her entreaty :
Mmd^ for jan. apstan
Sifph. There u no eontendiog.
Ti^ Whstehan become of tli«i6?
Ffnmm Soe them well Mrhijip*d,
Aa TMI will snawffr it.
■ Ttk, Kow, fiiipiior Graecho»
I Wlwi think yoo* of yoor^nattMiM?
1 1 Gf*«. 1 pf««eh patience.
And araaC mtium my fortune.
1 Wid, I was never yet
I At nscli m huntViipf , nor was so rewarded.
I ( [ Esmnt aU hut Fnncisec and MaretHa*
JL Frmm, Let iham fiest know themtelTes, and bow
^■^ yo« af«
^PTo W aerred and honoqr'd ; which , when ihey coti-
YoQ vny ng«tn receive them to your fiif our ;
And llMtt it wiQ «Lew nobty.
Ifere. With my thanks
The dmkm thmll pey^ you his, if he return
To blsMS mm with nis nreaence.
Frmm^ Tliefn is nottaiaf
enn be added to your hit acrepunce ;
im the pciae, indeed ; all else are htunks.
And nf an vnloe. At, in Tirtuous actions,
Th* MldKllktr finds a full rnword,
'd urpoa uulhoakful men ;
fib. iVew Jitter Gmecka,
, . sad Mr. M. l|Mi«^n ri>lkiv» lli« i«cuttd,>fvliicb rt^di,
Whaltm ie<s «H ^ptmr ffrentntat f
« I 1^ / Mli MnvT TfH
A i Midi « iMlir* nitrl Tkr Jkiun/'t Mjr wm « tnaon ati lh«
Nira, sieysrf seder liir «U»{|»w»
ep In lbs leenlng. It wa<i, |m
ssie^ iBf H Is ins%a«iiil> applk i
|i«sft« as aev astM* *^ • UMM'«.r
Mitosw Tnvten'
^ave^vMli. ^*
Ivas " mt fstfs •>'
siirti Thm ifSI r
AMIi* t:,
ti k» !»'
-r .ii,,r1.
.iti n.t
11, (^At
! who, M
»»e||
U|l.
n.ttMrrnun'« wife,
«vc a AwnriNvp of our
0v«« wMcH Is anil fUt*4 «mWt ibt wlodow* tiT tl»il«KiMi
spefaaman* ani •<■■» ef e choras ef sms, tfofSt sad hmm,
nst a Hitfe etanafen^
Sot any aemrkn dime fo »o much sv^^eelness.
However dangerous, and suhject to
An ill construe tioa , in jrour mvcur finds
A wisb'd, and g^loriouj end.
Marc, From you, 1 tiike this
As loyal duty ; but, in sny other*
It would sppear g^aa flattery.
Froti. FJaltery, madam !
Yon are so rare and exeellecit m all (lan^'ft,
And imiied ao high upon a rock of ^JotlneAs,
Am that rice cannot r^ch you* ^ who but looks on
Tbi^ temple, built by nature to perfection,
Dut mu»t bow to it ; and out of that seal,
Not only leom to adore it, but to love it ?
ifcfarc. Whither will tliia fellow f [iiicfe,
J^rsit. Pardonj. therefore, madam.
If an excess in me of bumble du^,
Teach me to hope, and though it be not in
ITie powtT of man to merit such a bltiiaeing)
My pjvty, for it in more than love.
May find reward.
Mftrc, You have il in my thanks ;
And, on my band, I fim pleaudd tbatyou sbjill Inkn
A full [loiisesaion of it ; hut, take ba^
That you fix here, and feed no hope beyocid it ;
If yoo do, it will prove ftital.
Fran, Be it deothp
And death with torments tyrants ne'er found out.
Yet I must say, I love you^
Marc. As a subject ;
And 'twill become you,
Frafu Foreweli circumstance !
And sinci* you are not pleased to utider^timd me,
But by a plain and usual form of sp«ech ;
Ali superjstitioua reverence laid by,
I love you as n man, and, as a man,
I would enjoy you. Why do yuu start, and fly null
I am no monster, and you but a womitUp
A woman made to yield, and by example
Told it is liwful : favours of this nature.
Are, in our tige, no miracles in the greateat ;
And, therefore, lady »
Marc. Keep off, O yon Powers !
Libidinous beast ! and, add to that, unthankful !
A crime, which creatores wanting reason, fly from ;
Are all the princely bounties, favoun, honours.
Which, witn some prejudice to his own wisdom.
Thy lord and niij^r bath confi»rr'd upon thee,
In three days abi^ence buried } Hath he made thee,
A tiling ob^rure, almost without a name,
The envy of ^reat fortunes ? Hare I graced thee,
Beyond thy rank, and entertsin'd tb«e, as
A friend, and not a aervaut } and in this,
This impudent attempt to taint mine honoor,
The fair return of both our vantuied &Toa»l
Frail. Heor my excuse.
Afarc. The devil may plead mercy.
And witli as much assurance, as thou yield one^
Bums lust so hot in ihee ? or is thy pride
Grown up to such a height, that, but a princess,
No woman can content thee ; and, »dd to it,
His wife and princc*ss. to whom thou art tied
In all the bonds of duty ? — Read my life,
And find one act of mme so loosely c»rned^
lliat could invite a most selMoving fool,
■ jiB ihM vjcsesBiuil rtach ptm ;) i. r. rtvttrry - ConrUf
dfterft lite old titpUr» ken, and resdit I know nut for wli«t
Tkitt vke etn Bfvrf rmrh jftmi
Hi* AdUlei foUcw* lijin, ss miimL
THE DUKE OF MILAN,
[A^a
Set off with all tliat fortune could throw on him.
To the least hops to fiod way to my favour f
And. whal^t th« wormt miae'coeniiM could with we,
lU be thy stnimpet.
Fratu 'Tia aciriowIed|(^t mndiiiD,
That your wliole course of hie hatlj been a pattern
For cbaate and virtuous wom*?ru In your brauty^
Which 1 firat aaw, and loved, as a fair erysutt,
1 read your h««venly mind, clear and uiiuint«d ;
And wliiW the duke dHl pnKe you to your valuer
Could It hnw been in man to pay that duty,
I Ht'll mi'^ht c^avy bim, hut durat oot hope
To stop vtju in your full esr«i»r of goodneaa :
Btit DOTv I find that ho'a fairn fromhia fortiUM,
And, howtfopver ho would appear dodng,
(iniwn cold in hiif aifectioa ; 1 presume.
From hit iDo«t barbafoua neglect of you,
To o derm J true senriee. Nor fttorid I bound,
To look beck oci the oourteaies of hirn,
TImt, of til! living men, is most unthtinkfuL
Marc. Uuljeara-of impudeure f
Fran* \'oull Bay I am modett,
Wheu I have told the acory- Can he tax »•• ^
ITiat have received some worldly trifies from him.
For being' uni^teftil ; when Im. that lirat tasted.
And hath bo lon^ enjoy'd. your sweet embracea,
In which nil blessinp^s that our frail condttion
U capable of, are wholly compTvht'ndini,
As cloy M with haiipine^fl, contemns the ^iver
Of liis felicity t and, as he reach 'd Dot
Th*» mu^terpiece of mischief whirh be airai at,
Unkms hi' pay tho.^e lavourA lie Htauds bound to^
With fell and deadly hate'. — Vou think he bveit you
With iineiarapliMl fervour ; rniy^ dotes on y»m,
As ther« wen* something in yot» more than woman;
^Vherip on my knowlcdj^^e, he long since hath wi<»h'd
V'oM were nmoug the dead y — and 1, you acoiii so,
Fer)iiijis, ttm your preaerver*
Marc. J^fejis nie« ^ood ■Dgela,
Or I am bhiJited f Liea to fiuae and wicked,
And laiihion'd to »o dainnitblea purpose,
Cannot be spoken by a human toni^ae^
My husband hate me ! |pve thyself the lie,
Faiae and aecurs^d f Thy soul, if thou bast any.
Can witness, never ludy stood so bouud
To the unfeigu'd a0ection of her lord,
As 1 do to my Sforsa. If ihou would At work
Upon niy wcok credulity* teli roe, rather.
That the eortb moves ; the sun and stars stand itiO ;
7 he ocean LeepA nor floods nor ebbs ; or that
There's jwace between the lion and th*i lamb ;
Or that ilie ravenous eagle and the dove
Keep in one aerie*, and bring op their youn^ i
Or any thing that is averse to nature ;
And f wUl swmer credit it, than that
My lord can thusk of me, butaa a jewel.
He loves more than him*elf, and all tlio world.
Fr«w. O mnocence ad»u»ed f simplicity coxen'd I
It were a sin, for which we have no name,
I'o keep yon longer in tlits wilful error.
Read his aifecuon herv ; — [Gittt hfr a jMpfr*] — and
ibftn obsu&rre
Kow dear he holds yon ! 'Tls his chamcler,
W hich cunning yet oould never counterfeit.
• f>r that th* rnttmmt rofile and f*# dvv*
Jkfftt fH m%* nvtw^ k. e. la on« neiL Mr. Mp Mi*on
dc£rAdr» M«»^*ii]j$vr unit blin««>lf, by roKtiiif, Kiyrp tn am§
ivUrv I i(ficlt r»#h nets, intl #uch tncon«v«teDce, it Is to bt
tioptrd, i!o nut oiti'ti nirvi in one pti^oo.
Msfr. Tie his hand, Tm resolved* of it. Tit try
What the inscriptioti is.
Fmn, Pray you, do so*
Blafc [reads.] Ycu kmm m}f pt^ture, ^nd tk$ kmr
tf Marcriia*§ dmth, which Jttil not to ei^i^iU, *t iftm
witl dfiiiarr lAs cumtrvfry, unl with ^^nr hmd d/«Me, Wf
tcith iht ruin ef your whahJamUy.' J»d thU, wtiotm
with mirtt cum hand^ and $igmd Ktth my prii^ tig^ti*
thali be jftmr iufficient warrant.
Looovioo 8vo«t4.
I do obey it ; every word's a poniard.
And reaches to my heart. [5JW mmM
Fran^ What have 1 done ^
Madam ! for heaven a sake, madam ! — O my fatef
111 bend her body 4 : this is, yet, some pleeanre .
Ill Idas her into a new life. Dear lady * —
She stira. For the duke's sake, for Sfon&'s sftke—
Mar€. Sforza's' stand off, though d«ed, 1 will
he hii.
And even my ashes shall abhor the touch.
Of any other. — O unkind, and cruel 1
Learn, women, learu to trust in one nnother ;
There is no faith in man : Sfona is IjUm^
Falwto IVJfircetia !
Fvaiu But I am true,
And Uve to make you happy. All the pomp,
Slate, and observanct) you had, hemg hijk.
Compared to wli:at you shall enjoy, when bum.
Shall bn no more remeoiber'd* Loan Itia nsBMry*
And look with cheerful beams oo yournew creMitr^;
And know, what he bath plotted for your good.
Fate cannot alter. Jf the emperor
lake not his life, at his return be dies,
And by my hand ; my wife, that is hie heir,
8h&ll q|uickly follow : — then we reign alone!
For with this arm 111 swim througb sens of blood.
Or make a bridge, arch'd with the bouea of me
But 1 will grasp my aims in you, my dearMi,
Dearest, and best of women |!
Mure. 1 hou art a villaia !
All attributes of archvillains made into Que,
Cannot express thee. 1 prefer fbe hate
Of Sforza though it mark me for the grare.
Before thy base affection. I am yet
Pure ai]d unspotted in my true love to him ;
Nor shall it be corrupted, though he's t&inted :
Nor will I part witli innocence, because
He IS found guilty. For thy«df, thou art
A tiling, that, eijuiil with the devil himaelf,
1 do delost iind scorn.
Fra flu Thou, then, art nothing :
* *fHM Mm hand, Pm molvcd qfit,] I am eonvl
Ut <K» the wofxl h rrcqttcnlljr avpcl l»y M««»ti«Mir'> <
porjiri««. Thu» F1«ich«r. in th* Fmthfui TVjift#r^i
** Bill he they (ai fi^in mc wlUi ibi-ir Umd Ivrritf J
I SKI Ttmtpi^i *n> (TltUtr y«t U Irur.**
Aeil WvlMrr. in th^ H kite l^trit:
** I am matwd,
Were IIktc a M^on<l p«r»iti«e lo lf>st,
TbU ri«vll woaUl lH*tr»y ii,"
} i*U iK-ml hrr iHit*Ij( i~Ti« try if iker* Iw any Ufa la i
Tba», in tV .%taid§ Trrty^ti^
" rvv bratil, it ittrn* iMr anv lifv. but hem
Tbc IhmIv ibiu, awJ it n'ill *bow Ii*r1i."
} infill / «pi» fratp mv Slm* In )un, my 4n»ff>«#^
lhar**t, tmd miiwf'wmm m f 1 It wintlil Mui<r«>lv be etm
dlte<l,irwe hMd »"* •»"• m.-.i h...... ... .i -. .. , .....V..^ ...,
aQlm^ted exprv
M M4M«n »ImuI
my iinn», III (be !,. .1,. i ...; ; , ..*.,,., 4.,.^,„, .
rvAilin^ i* Piitipic iHftiM-iiMr, which !■ brit#r iMa <
■ophifllkaiMjtt, Jia ii c»rii«» Miapkkin,
L\
THE DUKK OF MILAN.
73
tfi$ is in my povri^, diadaiiiful womaa I
oa't. sod Ireinhle.
re No, though thou w^t nofr
ly thy haa^man'a jjart. — ^Thou well maj'it be
ceeationar, imd art only (it
Mk «aiplaTii)«ttt , but n« er hopo to hsve
mat g^niiaa from me. 1 wiil never ie« thee,
a liie abame of men : so, with my corflca
MTor to tliy conscience in this life.
Mans in hell hi^reaftftr, I spit at thee ;
making hodle to midce my peace with heaTeiii
Dt tbee as my haogman. [£xj|.
Fnsft, I am lost
In UiH discovery of this (iital aeeret.
Curs'll hope, that flattered me* tbit wroiiga oouM
makti lier
A straiif^er to hpT g^oodness ! all my plots
Turn back upnn mys«lf ; but I urn in.
And mu4t en on : and, since 1 have put off
From thtj sliore ofiimooeiioe, pjuiU be now ray pilol !
Reveiit;^ tiriit wrought me*; murder's hia twin-
brother :
One deadly sia, then, help to cure fiaoihef ; [Eiit,
ACT III.
I*. — Ths Im pedal Camp. B^/br* Pavia.
E-ntfT M£i>tK^, Hranamdo, afid ALPiioitso,
iL The spoil, the ipoil T 'tis that the soldier
ights for.
rictorv, as yet, affordsi os nothingf
rouuils and empty honour^ Wt< have passed
iftxard of a dri*»dfu{ day, and forced
mge with our swords through all the dangers
p«gtf-Ulre, wait on the success of war ;
now exp«%t reward*
rn. Hell put it in
meoiy's mind to be desi>erate, and hold out !
ioigs and compositions will undo us;
w^t is that way ^iven. for the most port,
» to tbff eotperor^i coSers, to defmy
^arge ftf the great action, as 'tis mmotirM ;
1, mually, tome thing in grace, that iie*er
beard
»uQon's roarinfi^ tongue, but at a Critimphr
in, and for hi^i intercession shares
usl we fought for ; the poor soldier left
arre, or fill up hospitals.
tk. But, when
oter towns by force, and carve ourselves,
ure with pillage, and the richest wines,
OQr ahrunk-tfp veins, and pour into them
blood and fervour
sL 1 long Co be at it ;
Mr ibeee chuffs*, that every day may spend
dier's entertainment for a yvvr,
naliB a third meal of a buueh of raisinsf ;
W am tkemt cJinll*,] 8« U rttwid in cTery e*liiiofj bi-r*fr«
f. If<«i<fi'», whro It wj*» .ilttrnil lu v hough t, ^w\ th
d is « Diitv^ ui ijiv^n mat/pir» f Wbjit mMff^iicf coaUl
t llbi>iii;Kf Al nil on rUe viibjrti. ri> rJi^CMVer. The tnttb
i dhi^li lh« evuniDc wurd : it ia 4lw4>t ascd iti « bud
aad raesDt t r.u*nit URmaiiiM:redck»wn,al oncviorflid
rt maki- a tliSri m^al of a hunch ^raitins -l So all th*
' I r; but Mr. M. M«jkitj.
< u-d thv |,to<-r» btoir'Irr,
:. . pnMvii^ thin, **lbi-
;«/'«juiJtit In, " i < rroni^iitii : the ii»«VJii]p[
d mtmi ol r«isia . two gixjtl jnenl^ b* ore,
be no proorof j** i | ihrtrrotc re.«d thn"
Umaiy, ws* ever ■Jtrration *«► capririouA, was vver rt»-
; M> mbamrd t Wbvre li It nid thji rbe*« ehnifa " bad
iwv good laesla btton 1** U not ibv wliulc lernl. orj
» speech to thtm that ihvy «Utv«Nl ilu iii!m Iviv Ut ti c
4tif«taa(l«oce f and are not tlie rcprn«rht i «uch, *f It^ve
Ea«, ia sU «{«, hy m^n of Alediiu* •t4iiip, on the
These spongOT, thst suck up a kingdom's lat.
Battening like scsnibs t in tlie dun^ of peace.
To be squeesed out by ih# tough hand of war ;
And all that their whale ltve& have heaped together \
By coienage, perjury, or sordid thrift,
With one grifw to lie ravish'd.
Hern, i would be touiing
Their fair mniloims, that in little dogs,
^lonkeyst and pnra<|uittoB, consume thousands:
Wt, for the advancement of a noble action,
Rppine to part with a poor piece of eig-ht :
War's plague*) upon them I 1 have seen them stop
Their scornful noses first, then seem to swoon,
At sig^lit of a buf jerkin, if it were not
Perfumed, and hid with gold : yet these nice wontona,
Spurr'd on by luint, covered in some diseruiser
To meet some rough court-stallion, and be leap'd
Durst enter into any common brothel,
ThoujB^h all varieties of stink couleud there ^
Yet pmiAC the etitertainmcnt,
Mfd. I may live
To see the tjitter'd'at rascals of my temp
Dmg tlii*m out of their closeta with a vengeance;
When neither threalenitig, flattering, kneeling, how-
ling*
Can ransome one poor jewel, or redeem
Thpmselves, from their bluiit wooiug.
Hern. My main hope is.
To he^nn the sport at Milan : there's enough,
And of all kinds of pleasure we can wish for.
To sntijij^ the most covetotxs.
Aiph. Every tlay,
We look for a remove.
Med. For IxKlowick Sforaa,
The duke ol' Mihm, I, on mine own knowledge>
fCfber and rrsgtl ejilfien, who livrd within kU Income 1
*• 8«irJy;" «»y> iMoiwvH, \n thettty Match,
" Sutil)', inytilr,
Cli'hvr bit ftrtor, and an ancient cxt,
DM Icrrijt fftrln ilkl, h id our Spanbb fare,
Koar oJivc* araun^ tbrpir 1 M) uncle woald
Liii'k r;it Mill} friitlng; I h*%'r known him turfelt
I pan a busu?h qf ritinnBt »wuoii >t aigbt
Or a wli«k j ok lit, Mhd riBC an vpictire
From half an (.range."
* Rfwngt^ Jfni wrm*yht me, Sec] The rradrr thtmld not
•nffi-r Ibcae hlm», of wbicti he will find Mrvenii *n the tnc-
cL'fdine page«, U* eftcttx* him : they are ik>( Ihruwi) out at
iHUriuiM by Mawiniier, but Intvudrd t© prepare the oiliodl for
the (Ircxdrul retalUliun whirh fc»[luw».
r /tattcninff like le^nbtj Scardbt meant heellet. M*
Ma SUM. Very true; and beetJei meiuta ■ca.rabsl
74
THE DUKE OF MILAN.
[Act tir.
Cnii aay thus much • he is too much a Hohlicr.
Too confident of his own worth, too rich too*
And understaoda too weD tlie emperor hat«a binip
To hope for composition.
Aiph, On mv met
We ne«d not ^ear hie doming in *.
Hem* On mine,
I do not wish it : I held mthvr that.
To shew hia valour, be'd put us to the trouble
To f-ptch him in by the mn.
MetL The emperon
Fkmriik, Enter CiMnLrs, Vtst'Knx. ttftd Attendniilf*
Chart Vou malte roe wonder: — niiy, il ia no
counsfiltt
YoQ mny tArtake it, gtintlemen : who*dbeve tbo^iglit.
That he, that scorn *d our profTer'd umity
Whfln he was sued to, shouhl. vtv !u! h** aiimm<>n.M
AVLether persuaded to it by ha-^e feiir,
Or flatter'd by false hope, which^ 'tia uncertain,)
First kneel Tor merry ?
MM. When your majesty
ShiilJ please to iniitnjct us who it i», we may
Admirt" it with v<^t»
Vliort. Who. I>tit the duke of ]VIilan,
The ri[3;ht brand of the French ! of all that stand
In OUT di^pleouune, whom necessity
Compels to sflek our favour, 1 would have sworn
Bforxa had been the lasL
Hffm. And shouM be writ ao,
In the list of those you pardon. Would his ci(y
Had rather held us out a siej,^©, like Troy,
Than, by a feig:n*d aubmiaaion, he .should eheot you
Of a just revenue ; or us, of those fair (glories
We have aweat blood to purchase I
Mfd. With your hooour
You cannot henr him.
Alftiu The sack alone of Milan
Will ]mv thif amiy.
Charf, I am not so weak,
To bft wrought on. as you fear; nor ignorant
That money is iho sinew of the war :
And on what tfnua soever be seek pence,
'Tis in our power to ^rant it, or deny it :
Yet, for our plory» and to shew him that
We*ve brought him on his knees, it is resolved
To hear him as a suppliant, Brin^ bim in ;
Bui let him see the effects of ourjust anger.
In tJje guard that you make for him.
[Eri* Peseariu
ihnt. I am now
Familiar with the issue ; all plagues on it I
He will appear in some dejected habit,
His countwnanee suitable, and, for bis or«ler,
A rope about bis npck ; then kneel, and tell
Old stories, what a wortliy thin^ it is
T'O have power, and not to use it ^ then add to that,
I II A tnle of king Tifpimes, and great Pompey,
Who said, forsooth, and wisely ! 'Twas nmro honour
To make a king, than kill one ; which, applied
To Cbe emperor, and himself, a pardon & {^ranted
To him, an enemy ; and we, hia aamnta.
Condemned to beggary.
• AlpK. On my life
Wt nfed not fear hit C0tnin% \n,\ His furrrnder &i binutetr.
H«maiKl(i, hi the nv%i eptech, playa iipoit th« vvonl,
T ^iUt ii i* iw> cuun»cl,J i. c. no Mrcrrt : to
ia €ypM> Jlfvenat* :
** 1 ifVould worry hcf,
A I nfvtt cur wtt wurrird, I itoutd, net j^b hour.
Till iii> U'clii met 1 Imgw wh^tv ; tiut iliJit i« cvummL**
Mt(L Yonder he comes ;
But not OS you eipected.
Rt-mter Pescsra with Sfohsa.
Alph* He looks as if
He would out face his dmngersu
iienu I am co«en*d :
A auitor, in the devil*s name !
Mtd* Hear him speak.
Sj'ar, I come not, em|»eror, to invade iby m#fi
By fawning on thy fortune ; nor brin^ with me
Excuses, or denials. I profpss.
And with a good man*!i confidence, even this msmnt
That 1 am in thy power, I was thine eoetny ;
Thy deadly and vow *d enemy ; one that wished
Confuaion to thy person and estates ;
And with my utmost powers, and deoj>ft§t C'OUfi««)«,
Hrtd they been tnilv folluwM, furtliHrM ir.
Nor will I now, akbouf^h my neck were under
The hangman's axe, with one poor syllable
Confess, but that I honoiir'd the t'rench king,
niore than thyself, and all meu,
Med* By saint Jaque^,
This b ao flaUery
Hem, There is fire and spirit m*t i
But not long-lived, I hope.
Sj^pr* Now give me leave,
My bate against thyself, and love to him
Freely acknowledged, to give np tiie rt-jtsoc»s
That made me so affected : In my witut^
] ever found him faithful ; bad supplies
Of men and monies from him ; and my hoftea,
Quite sunk, were, by his grace, UuOy'd up a^^in :
He WBs, indeed, to me, as my good angel.
To guard me from all dungers. I dare ap«^.
Nay, must and will, his praise now, in as hijgb
And loud a key, as when be waa thy equaL
The benefits he aow'd in me, met not
Unthankful ground, hut yielded him his own
With fair increase, and I still glory in it*
And, thoucjh my fortunes, poor, compared to his.
And Milan, weigh'd with France, appear as nothing, J
Ape in thy fury burnt, let it be mention'd, ■
I'hey aer'red but as smoll tapers to attend
The solemn flame at this great funeral • :
And with them 1 will gladly wawte myself,
Rnther than undergo the imputation
Of being base, or untliankfuL
Alph, Nobly spoken!
Hem, 1 do begin, I know not why, to hate ium
Less than I did.
Sf (ir. If tljat, then, to be grateful
For courtesies received, or not to leave
A friend in his necessities, be a crime
Amongst you Spaniards, which other nations
That, bke you, aim'd at empire, loved, and chi*risli*d |
Where'er ihey found it, Sforaa brings bia bead
To pay the forfeit. Nor come I as a slave,
Pinioned and fettered, in a squalid weed.
Falling before thy feet, knet'ling and howling.
For a forestaird reniissi.on : that were |j«DOr,
And would hut shame thy victory ; for conquMl
Over base foes, ia a captivity.
And not a triumph. 1 ne*er fear'd to die.
Mare than I wi!^h\l to live. When I bad reacb'd
aiy end* in being a duke, 1 wore these robes.
• ^-^i/lhl* ffrmifiMtrai.\ Mr. If. Maxm.
whether by design or nut, I ihW ata 9«y. rrada, hit prmf
Jimeral : mesDlaK, perhsp», lb* Fff ach kli»5*« i 1m»i thr *M
rtadinfL is bcUcr in every rrsprtrt.
^ SilEKi L]
THE DUKE OP MILAN.
75
f
TbU CTOWB upon my bead, and to my ad«
Til is sword wns gin ^ and witness truth, that, now
*Tia in aaother's power when 1 ahall part
With them and life together, Vm the aame :
Mjr reins then did not swell with pride ; nor now
Shrink thvy for fear. Know, sir, that Sforza stiinds
Ptepored for eitJier fortune.
Hern. As I Lire,
I do h«gin strangely to tore this fellow ;
And could part with three quarters of my share in
T1i« promised spoils to aare him.
S/or, But, if example
Of my fidelitv to the French, whose honours,
Titles, and gtoriea, are now mix'd with yours,
A a brooks, devoured by rirors, lose their names.
Has power to inrite you to make him a friend.
That haih given eridient proof, he knows to tore.
And to be thankful ; this my crown, now yours,
Voti may mtore me» and m me instruct [change,
Tli«ae Sfare commanders, should your fortune
Which now I i^'ish not, what they rosy expect
From noble enemies, for being faithfuL
Th« charges of the war I will defray^
And, what you may, not without hazard, force,
Bring freely to vou : I'll prevent the criea
Of murder'd in/ants, and of raviitb'd maid a,
Which, in a city aack'd, call on heaven's justice,
And atop the courae of glorious victories :
And, when I know the captains and die soldiers.
That liare in the late battle done be^t service,
And are to be rewarded, I myself,
A i ording to their oualily and merits,
\\ ill see them largely reeompenaed^^I have said,
And now expect laj aentence.
Alp/u By this light,
Tis a brave gentleman.
Med. How tike a block
The emperor sits !
Henu He hath delivered reasons •,
Especially in bis purpos4> to enrich
Sach ai fought bravely, I myself aai one,
1 eare not wtio knows it, as I wonder thai
He can be lo stupid. Now he begins to stir :
Mercy, an't be thy wilt !
Chart Thou hast ao far
Outgone flDT eapectalion, noble Sforra,
For auoh 1 imld thee ;<— end tme constancy,
Raised on a brave foundation. bear» such patm
And privilege with it, that where we hi>hDld it.
Though in an enemy, it does command na
To lore and honour it. By my future hopes,
2 am glad, for thy aake, that, in s«t*king lavour,
TlkNi didst not Mrrow of vla^ her indirect,
Crooked, and abject means ; and for mine own.
That since my purposes must now be changed,
ToQchjng thy life and fortunes, the world cmiuot
Tax me of leviry in my settled counwls ;
I being neither wrouglu by tempting bribes,
Nor servile fiattt^y \ but force«l into it
By a &ir war of virtue.
* Hi kaik ddkKT^d n*M9K) U^niiiido «vid«i)ily neaw
lo «7 th4t 8l«rts tiM »pokca ritloBslly, «tp«ci«lly la eX'
prrMJiif kit perpoM of coricliin^ tlXMc who rtJfiKiii brif «ty :
tlM wonl rmmmt in ibc plnraJ wiU out exurcw IImI Avnac.
M. Masoji.
li« tbcrclart tlten It rn rratott f Tn adernpt to prctve ttiat
tla« «ld copifti *r« ftifltt. wmoM hcMjpvrflouui :— but I caiiOMl
reflect* wilhAol ivme m^li^iiaticm, un the »randAlucis niaonrr
4le^f«B it «ir metfe and *cjaiic,«Dil Utiiii buildt up new rasd-
Iftfi 06 hltoina biuoden.
H^m. This sounds wall.
r pasaages (
I arms 1 me
For diua with open anna f meet thy love,
And as a friend embrace it ; and so fur
I atu from robbing thee of the letist hooour,
That with my hands, to make it ait the faster,
I set thy crown once more upon thy head ;
And do not only style thee, Duke of Alilan,
But vow to Iceep tl^ so. Yet. nor to take
From others to give only to mysflf •,
I vrill not hinder your ma'iniSrpnce
To my commanders, ti either will I urge it ;
But in ibat, as in all things eke, 1 leave }ou
To be your own diaptjaer ,
[F^rtsA. ErU with AttendanU^
5fer. May I live
To seal my loyalty, though with loss of life,
In some brave service worthy C,TBar*s favour,
And I shall die most happy ! GpntlfOien,
Receive m© to your lores ; and if bence forth
There can arise a difference between ua.
It shall be in a noble emulation
Who bath the fairest sword, or dare go farthest.
To Bgfat for Cherles the tiinperor.
Hem. We embrace you.
As one well read in all the points of honour :
And there we are your scholars.
'^JifT, True ; but auch
As far outstrip the master. Well contend
In love hereafter j in the mean timH, pray you.
Let me discbarge my debl, and, a* an eameat
Of wbat'a lo come, divide this cabinet:
In the small body of it there are jewels
Will vield a hun(lred thousand piatolets»
WhicK honour me to receive*
Med, You bind us to yon. fhis presence,
Sf'or^ And when great Charles commantJs roe to
If you will please to excuse my abrupt departure,
Designs that most concern me, next this mercy,
Calling me home, I sball hereafter meet you.
And gratify the favour*
Horn, In this, and all things,
We are your Bervants.
Sf<fr. A name 1 ever owe yon.
[Eieunt Medinttt Htnwndo, and Alphomok
Pesc. So, air ; this tempest is well overblown.
And all things fall out to our wUhes : but,
In my opinion, this quick return.
Before you're mode a party in the court
Among the great ones* (for these needy captains
Have little power in peace,) may beget danger,
At least suspicion.
S/ttT, Where true bonour lives,
Doubt hath no being : I desire no pawn
Beyond an emperor's word, for my aaeunmce.
Besides, Peacora, to thyself, of all men,
1 will confess my weakness : — though my stole
And crown's restored me, though 1 am in grace.
And that u little stay might be a step
To greater honours, I must hence. Alaa !
I live not here ; my wife, my wife Pescaraf,
-YW, Hot to tahti
From othera, to jfive vnty to in>*clf,J ThSd l« \he rmding
of nil ihe uld iMLipit»>, nnd nulliinif cud be clearer ih^u llitt ll
la perfectly proper. Tbc rutMlrm cdilor*, huwtfvCT, c]iioo«e
lo w«4kt'a boUi tUc »tDK and (he fcntimctit, b^ a cuDccil oi
ibeir own : tb«y priiii,- -toifiteonl^to lh)»«lfl
r mp wiff, my wVe, Pfmutra^] Mr. M. Maton
feebly aiut uDinetrically reaiJi, mff w^ftt PcMCara* Tbere
ft p-€jt beiuiy in tite repclitioo ; it U, besldet, perfectly la
cJivncicr.
k
T6
THE DUKE OF MILABT.
[Act m.
Being absent, I am d^d. Pritbee, exciiM»
And do Qot cbidf", Tor friendship's ssk^, my fbadneu,
^Qt ridn Hloug with ma ; I'll (pre you reuoiu»
And strong ohm, to ptimd fof me.
PgMc. Use your own pleasure ;
I'U bear vou company,
Sfhr, farewell, ^pief ! I ani stonsl wiib
Two blessings most d:f4j«ti«trl m liuniaii life,
AcoixfltftDt friend, an unsuj^wcl^d wife, \_Ejeuni,
SCENE U,—Mitan.—A Roam in the CoMtle*,
Enter an Officer uHth Graccho.
Offie. What I did, I had warrant for; you haF©
tiwted
My oflici^ gentry, and for those loft strokes,
Flea-bilings to the jerks I could have tent you,
Tbere doea belong a feeling.
Grue, Must I pay
For being tormented, and diahonourM I
Offie, l-le ? no, [out
Your honour's not impair'd in*t. What'a the letting
Of a little corrupt blo*i*lt , and the up* t way too \
There b no auri^eon like me, to t«ike ofi*
A courtier's itcli tliat'H rampant at grvot ladies,
Or turnn knave for prefenni^nt, or grow^ii pruud
Of hid rich cluuks and JuittSp though gut by hrokage,
And so forgets his betters,
Grae. \'ery good, sir :
Dut am [ the ftrst man of quality
That e er came under your fingera ?
D/^V. Not by a tlioysand ;
And they have Koid 1 hsve a lucky hand too :
iioth men and women of all »orL3 have bow'd
Under tliis sceptre. I Iiaire had a feltow
That could endite, forsooth, and make fine metrei
To liokle in the ears of ignonint madams,
That, for defaming of great roen, w a« iwnt me
l*hrt;adbare and Iou*v, and in three diiys after,
Discharged by another Uiat set him on, 1 ha ire seen
Cap a pie gallant, and hia stripes wash'd off [btm
With oil of angels4
Gnjf, Twas a aovereign cure.
Offic, There was a sectary too, that wouJd not be
Confornmblo to the orders of the churcli,
Nor yield to any orgument of reason.
But still rail at authority, brought to me.
When I had wormed his tongue, and tnuu*d hia
haunches.
Grew a fine pul pitman, and waa beneficed :
Had be not rause to thtmk me ?
Grat. There waa pfayalo
Waa to the pufnoae*
OJfie. Now, for women « air,
For your more consolation, 1 could tell you
I'wenty fine stories, but I'll end in one,
And 'tis the last tlist'a memorable.
Gmc, Prithee, do ;
For I grow weary of thee.
* Milan. A Room in the CoMtfe,] Here ttio CoKctrr puaU,
** Boom eham§tt to Pimf* tnA hcr« too he* It followed by
Ihv **mMt sccorcir ofcilMon,*' Mr. M. Mii»oq.
f 0/a iiltU cornint blood,] Ik) ihv nid copiei ; Ibe mod em
edUun rvMt\, Of a Utttt cumipled hhod^ Tbi« rrdiice* ifae
Hac tu very eood ytot/tt whleh is lodi-td lt» only mrril.
I W^ith oH of angeli.] It may be Ja«t Dccesnry to nbverve,
Ibtt thii l« « pleaaiDl allH»bn to lliv (old coin of Ibai nsme.
Offic. There was lately*
A fine abe- waiter in the court, that doled
Extresbely of a gentleman, that had
fits miiiii dependence on a signior's faTOur
r will not name, but could not compaaa him
On any term 9. 1 hta wmatoo at de«d midniglit,
W'aHi tcmnd at the m:«rcise behind the ama,
W'nh the 'foresaid signiur : be got clear oC
liut she was seized un, and, to sare liia bt>aoai«
Endured the lasb ; and, though 1 made her ofteo
C'urvet and caper, ahe would never tell
Who play'd at pushpin with ber.
Grac, But what followed T
Prithee be brief.
Offic, \\hv this, air : She, delivered.
Had store of' crowns aasign' ber by her patron,
Who forced the genttemiui, to tave her credit,
To marry hir, and sar be wi«i the party
Foynd in lob's {lound ; «y she, that, before, gladly
Would have been his whore, reigna o'er htm aa bis
wife ;
Nor darea be grumble at it Speak bat trulh, tban.
Is not iny office lucky ?
Grac» Go, there's for thee \
But what will be my fortune ?
Offic If you thrive not
After that soft correction, come again.
Grac, I thank you, knave.
Offic, And tlien, knave, I will fityoa. [Eiit.
Gruc. W hip t tike a rogue! no lighter puniabment
serve
To balance with a little mirth : *t is welL
My credit sunk for ever, 1 am now
Fit company only for pages and for footboys.
That have perused the porter 'a lodgef.
F.ntir Jvuo <tnd GtovANie4,
Giov. See, Julio,
Yonder the proud slaTe is ; how he looka oofr,
Al^er his casli^^tion I
Jul. As he came
From a dose jigbt^ at sea under the hatches.
With a ahe> Dunkirk, that was abot before
• Offie, 7'Aereica#fa/ff|r,&c.'' 1 t>«*r KftW d<>ulv( bin ihAl
Ihia tivtlv ulury Wii» Toiiodrd km r«ct,iin'1 i»cli uintrnifiH/d bj
t M <:oiitfiiipunirle>fl. I'he courtier* were n
the ipoet I
Hint tkiiM lia
imdt'umlrying iliimMlvei for ihr niomse and ||o«(ni|i hotn
wliicli tlit^y had yABBtd iXunng tlir XtM iwt» «r tarce frtn of
KlisMbetb ; und Thv co<iir»r %in\ Inetrfmol manaen of JefMa*
wtibrh bordererl closrly od UceiilJi''jU*n«»*, sffdnled llniai
kin (lie upp^rluoifiea.
It {« •candy ncceii«ary lo inform tbe reader, tkml wtifr-
ever our old drammhls laid the vcene u/ thirkt pl*J*> "'>*
)i«biti end munntrsof lh<;m tre, cej»craU> •petklns, afttraty
EnfUih as tlii« laneaagr^
t Fit company JOT paget attdjor/bolhofo.
That have prrvard thr purier'i iod^^c] t e, rb4f kt*«
been wlilpi there. The p<»rtfr*» l«»dE4?t l" ofir <niJ*<*r'ii dny*,
vtXifn th« gresi <>laluii*dt and, iiidpt'l -> ? -i, r«>rriaMl,
Ibe riKbl of eha.»li«liijr their flervntiT- <-tl plm<± of
pnniBhtnenl. Thns Sliirley, in the < .inJt .' ^ -
''My fHcnd, whiit makt' you here f i»< ^<mii , D^jFun*-, | My :
— t berc li a. porfar^i lodfft el»c, wfei«re ycua may Mv* dM
cliasii lament."
I fW/cr Julio <rn<l GtoVAKFcil Tt«i« hat Wen liUkrrte
prloted, Enter ht^ (wmttr*nm^ ihoMfjh •»!»« *>f Iheia b fwne'
oiilety named. Not to multiply chiir<irltrr» Btiiirevacarily, I
bav« inpptHied ihcfii tube flic tame tliat appear wlib Gfacdba,
ia ihe Qrii -cent' of the Ar«t act.
$ iuK At he came
FVom a rfntr Jfjfht, Sic) Our old p«>Hii m*de *erf fN*
mUb nne artc'thcr'* [ir*<perly t it iiii»»t bt- confrvtr'ifliowr^rf,
tliAt their literary laplne diJ mA uiiuloAtt' in uovvfty, 9or
they g*vt a» liberally a* tliey tu»k. T hi* •pevclk bas bprfc
" runvey d" hy Pktclicr lalo tila emcvUeat ee»«dy ef lie
Elder Broths :
ScsnbUI.]
THE DUKE OF MILAN.
77
Between wind and water ; and ba haib apmng a leak
Or I am coaen'd. . [too,
G'uHf. Let's be mefij with him.
Grac. How they atare at me ! am I tuni'd to an
The wonder, gentlemen? [owl?
JuL I read this morning.
Strange atoriea of the paasire fortitude
Of men in farmer agea, which I thought
Imposaihle, and not to .be belie tred :
But, now I look on you my wonder ce a ioa .
Crae. The reaaon, sir ?
JuL Why, sir, you bare been whipt,
VVliipt, signior Graocho ; and the whip, I take it,
U, to a gentleman, the greatest trial
l*hat may be of his pati « ic e «
Grac. Sir, 111 eall you
To a strict account for this.
Giov. Ill not deal with you.
Unless I bare a beadle for my second ;
And then 111 answer you.
JuL Farewell, poor Graccbo.
[EmmjiI Julio and GimnmnL
Grae. Better and better stilL If erer wrongs
Could teach a wretch to find the way to rengeance,
£ttler FaAnaaoo and « Senrant
Hell now inspire me ! How, the lord protector !
My judge ; I thank him ! Whither thus in private?
I will not see him. [Stands atUU,
Fran. If I am sought for.
Say I am indiaposed, and will not hear
Or saiu, or smtors.
Serv, But, sir, if the princess
Enquire, what shall I answer?
Fran. Say, I am rid»
Abroad to take the air ; but by no means
Let her know Tm in court.
Sen,. So I shall tell her. [Fxit.
Fiun, Within there, ladies!
Enter « Gentlewoman.
Gentiew. My good lord, your pleasure ?
Frmn. Prithee, let me beg thy fiirour for access
To the dutchesa.
GmUlew. In good sooth, my lord, I dare not ;
Sbe'a Tciy priTate.
fVm. Coaae, there's gold to buy thee
A new gown, and a rich one.
Gendew. I once sworef
If e'er I lost my maidenhead, it abould be
With a great lord, aa yon are ; and I know not bow,
I firal a yielding inclination in me,
If you MTe wppe/tkiB,
' ^Tkey luok rneftdly,
Ae Ihey had Mrwly come Orooi a vaBlllag boow,
Aad hmA bcea mite ahol tlupu«i«li between wind and water
By a ite-DwikIrk, and had »pmiic a leak, >lr/'
* " * on Field
the
( nitty depredation
hnOei 9t Ae .Duke ^ Milan prtcedcd that of /ib«
Mretker, by ■uiny yean.
• Praa. ioflmnrid
ABremd, 4kc] So the cM coptet : the modeni editort, with
•anal acewacy ard elegaaee,
Smifrm rode
Akr^ekLiLe.
f 7 0scr avervl Both the oaartoa have a raarfinal bemlt-
tich here : they real, Tkle wUi tempt me; aa adiHHon of Uie
■aacecMary iaterpolatioa of the copyist,
• " " •• laoa have
epob*
JOder
Fran. Poz on thy maidenhead !
Where ia thv lady ?
Gentiew- If you renture on her,
She*a walkine in the gallery ; jierbaps.
You will find her less tractable.
Fran. Bring me to her.
Gentiew. I fear you'll bare cold entertainment,
when [tion
You are at your journey's end ; and 'twere discre-
To take a snatch by the way.
Fran. Prithee, leare fooling:
My page waits in the lobby ; gir9 him sweetmeats *,
He is train'd up* for his master's eaae.
And be will cool thee. [Eieunt Fran, and Gentiew.
Grae. A brare discorery beyond my hope,
A plot even offer 'd to my hand to worx on !
If I am dull now, may 1 lire and die
The scorn of worms and slares ! — Let me consider ;
My lady and her mother firat committed,
In the favour of the dutcheas, and 1 whipt I
That, with an iron pen, ia writ in brass
On my tough heart, now grown a harder metaL —
And all bis bribed approaches to the dutohrss
To be conceard ! good, good. This to my Isdy
Delirer'd, as 1*11 order it, runs her mad.
But this may prove but courtahip f ; let it be,
I care not, so it feed her jealousy. [Exiu
SCENE lU.'-Anather Roam in the mme.
Enter Marcelia and Francisco.
Marc. Beli<^re tby tears or oaths ! out it be hoped.
After a practice so abborr'd and horrid,
Repentance e'er can find thee ?
Fran. Dearest lady,
Great iu your fortune, greater in your goodness.
Make a superlative of excellence,
In bemg greatest in your saving mervy.
I do confess, ^urobly confe:is my fimlt,
To be beyouu all pity ; m^ attempt
So barbarou. y rude, that it would turn
A saint-like patience into savage fury.
But you, that are all innocence and virtue.
No spleen or anger in you of a woman.
But when a holy zeal to piety fires >ou.
May, if you please, impute the fault to love.
Or call it beastly lust, for 'tis no better ;
A sin, a monstrous sin ! yet with it many
1 hat did prove good men after, have been tempted ;
And, though I'm crooked now, *tia in your power
To make me straight again.
Afarc. Is't possible
This can be cunning !
Fran. But, if no submission.
Nor prayers can appease you, that you may know
I'is not the fear or death that makea me aiie thua.
But a loath'd detestetion of my madneaa.
Which makes me wish to live to have your pardon ;
I will not wait the sentence of tbe duke.
Since his return is doubtful, but I myself
Will do a fearful justice on myself,
No witness by but you, thf re being no more.
proaipier, or aa
which anuib the
advanced k ii
mmn. CMslar aad Mr. M. Maaoa i
• iTeU traht'd up, Ac] A bemtoUch, or more, U kMt here,
or, not inipn>b;ibly, parp(«el> omiiU-<t. I only mention it
to accoont for the defect of nirtre ; tor the circanutance lt»eli
b not worth regreitlnf . ,....,-,--.
t But tkie map prone hut cMrtahIp : 9ic] That U, merely
paying hi« coon to her a* dutrbcM. II Mason.
7r
THE DURE OF MILAN.
[Acrni.
When 1 offendecL Vol. before I do it,
For 1 pprceive in you no sijj^is of mercy,
1 will diticlose n secret » which, dying with me^
May prove your ruin.
Marc. Sp«ak it ; it will take from
TliH burtjien of thy conJici«nee*
Fran, Thus, then, madam :
The wamint by my lord siga'd for your death,
Wtt« hut conditional ; but you mui*t swciir
Uy vour unspottt-d truth, not to reveal it.
Or 1 eud here abruptly.
Marc. By my hopej
Of joys hereafter. On.
I rran. Nor wa« it bate
That forced bini to it, but exceu of love :
And, if I ne'er retarn, (t>o s*id gr«st Sfbrm^)
No Uving man deserving to rij/i'v
MltlmtMarcetia,trith ihrfint neu^
Tiifkt I am detid, (ffir no awH ttjtrr me
Mttti f*er enjotf her) fail not to kiii her^
But tilt txrtatH proof'
Jisur€ thee 1 am bit (tli««e were htii word^,)
Observe and kauaur her, at if the snul
Of tifomatt's gDcdneuonly due ft in her*t,
1 his Trust 1 have abused, and bunely wroQ^'d i
And, if the exctdling pity of your mind
Cannot forgiv^e it, a* 1 dare not hope it,
Rather tJmn bbk on my offended lord,
I stand reaoU'ed li> punish iL
Mare, Hold ! *tia forgiven^
And by me freely pardon 'd. In thy f»ir life
HereufWr, aiudy to deserve this bounty.
Which thy true penitence, such 1 believe it»
Ap^uinst my reitolntion hoth forced from me. —
Bui that my lord, my Sforza, should eiiteem
My liftf fit only ua a [^^',1^0, to wait on
The virioua course of hU uncertain fortunes;
Or oheriish in himsnatf that i^ensual hope^
In death to know me an a wife, afflicunie ;
Nor does hia envy leaa deaerve mine ttng;i>r.
Which, though^ jiiicbiii my lot'i*,! would nutnounAhf
Will slack the ardour tlmJ 1 hud to Bee him
llc'tum ill safety.
Fran, But il'^yottr entertainment
Should give the loaiit ground to his jealousy.
To raiae itp an opinion I am false.
You then deatroy your mercy. Therefcre, madarn,
(Thoujfh I ijball ever look on you as oa
My life's preserver, and the mimcle
Of human pity J would you but vouchsafe,
tii comptiny, to do me thone fair ^racea.
And ffivonra, which your innocence and honour
BHy safely warrant, it would to the duke,
I being to your beat aclf alone known jfutlty,
Wake me appar moat innocent.
Afarr. Have your wishes,
And siomethinj^ I inuy do to try his temper.
At leajit, to mukt} him know a constant wife
Is not so slaved to her husband's doting humours,
But :hat ahe ma^' di'serve to live « widow,
Iter fate tippoinUni; it.
Fran, It Im enough -,
Kay, all 1 could desire, and will make way
Tu my rt)Veii^i;, which shall dis(>rrse itself
On him, on ht-r, aud all. [SA^uf andjioariah.
Mare, What shout is tliat ?
Enter TiBtnto and Stitfuajvo,
Tib. AH happiness to the dutrhess. that may flow
From the dukL*':* new and wished return !
Marc, lie's welcome.
Stejth, How coldly she receive* it I
Tib, Observe the onoounter.
Ftouriah. Enter Sfokila, PrsrARs,
MAniA}4A, GnAGcuo, and
IsAKtlXA,
Mart, Wluit joa have told me, Cineelko, is ke-
And Vl\ find time to stir in'c. [lievvd.
Grttc, Aa you we ctttoe ;
I will not do ill offices.
Sfor, I have stood
Silent thus long^, Ihlarcelia, expecting'
When, with more than a greedy haste. tboQ w<mld,-ft
Have flown into my arms, and on my lips
Have printed a deep welcome. My desires
To glass myself in these fiiir eyes, hnve borue me
With more than human apeed : nor durst 1 stay
In any temple, or tn any saint
To pay my vows and thanks for my return.
Till I had seen thee.
M*tfc. Sir, I am most happy
To look upon you safe, and would expresa
My to¥e and duty in a modest fashion.
Such ai might suit with the behaviour
Of one tljat knows herself a wife, ind bow
To temper her desires, not like a w auton
Fired witli hot appetite ; nor coii it wrong me
To love discreetly.
Sfor. How ! why, can there be
A mean in your aSectioni to Sforca !
Or any act, tliough ne'er so looee, llint may
Invite or heighten appetite, appe«r
Immodest or uncomely ! Do not move me ,
My pasdions to you are in extremes,
And know no bounds ;-'-€Ofne ; kisft mB,
Mote I obey yon.
Sjttr, By all the joys of love, she doe* salute mi»
Aa if 1 were her grandfather * W IjjU w iich.
With cursed spells, hath quencl/d the amtirouf Ucwt
Thnt lived upon tlifse lips I Tell me, Marc«liu,
And trulv tell me. is*t a fault of mine
That hatfi hegot this coldness! or neg;lect
Of others, in my absexioe!
Marc. Xeither, sir :
I stand indebted to your substitute.
Noble and good Francisco, for his c«pe
And Ikir obstrvauce of roe : there wus nothing
With %vhich you, being preseuti could supply me,
Th])t I dare sey I wanted.
Sfiw, How 1
Mil re. The pieasores
That sacred Hymen wnnwits us, excepted.
Of which, in troth, you are too great a doter ;
And there is more of beast in it than num.
Let us love temperfttely ; tiling violent lust twil.
And too much dotage rather arguoa folly
1 hnn true affect ion.
firtic. ObseiTu but tliis.
And how j*he praised my lord's care and obarrvanre ,
And tlien judge, madani, if my mtelligeuce
Hdve any ground of tnith.
Mtiri, No more ; 1 mark iL
Steiih. How the duke standi*!
Tib, As he were rooted tliere,
And had no motion.
Peit\ My lord, from whence
Grows tliiis amazement i
Sfor. It is more, dear my friend ;
For 1 am doubtful whether I*ve a bem^
Scene I.]
THE DUKK OF MILAN.
79
But certain that my life's a trartfaen to me.
Take me back, ^ood Pescara, ahew me to C»Mr
In all his rage and fury ; I disclaim
His mercy : to lire now, which is his gift.
Is worse than death and with all studied torments.
Marcdia is unkind, nay, worse, nown cold
In her affection ; my excess of fenrour,
Which yet was never equall'd, grown distastefnL
— But hare thy wishes, woman ; thou shalt know
That I can be myself, and thus shake off
The fetters of fond dotage. From my sight.
Without reply ; for I am apt to do
Something I may repents — [£xit Mare ] — Oh ! who
would place
His happiness in most accursed woman,
In whom obsequiousness engenders pride ;
And harshness deadly hatred ? — From this hour
rU labour to forget there are such creatures ;
True friends be now my mistresses. Clear your
brows.
And, though my heart-stringrs crack for*t, I will be
To all a free example of delight :
We will hare sports of all kinds, and propound
Rewards to such as can produce us new :
Unsatisfied, though we surfeit in their store.
And nerer think of curs'd Marcelia more. lExwnt.
ACT IV.
SCEN£ L-^Tht sosm. A Roam m thg Castlt.
Enter Frakosoo and Graocho.
Fran. And is it possible thou shouldst fiorget
A wrong of such a nature, and then study
My safety and content?
Grae. Sir, but allow me
Only to hare read the elements of courtship*,
Not the abstruse and hidden arts to thrire there ;
And vou may please to g^rant me so much knowledge.
That injuries from one m grace, like 3rou,
Are noble favours. Is it not grown commonf
In every sect, for those that want, to suffer
From such as have to give ? Your captain cast,
1 f poor, though not thought darine, but approved so.
To raise a coward into name., that^ rich.
Suffers disgraces publidj ', but recmvee
iiewards for them in private.
Fran, Well observed.
Put on| ; well be familiar, and diseoorse
A little of this argument That day.
In which it waa first mmour'd, then confirm'd,
Great Sforza thoueht me worthy of his favour,
I found myself to be another thme ;
Not what 1 waa before. I passed then
For a pretty fellow, and of pretty parts too.
And was perhaps received so ; but, once ndsed.
The liberal courtier made me master of
Those virtnes which I ne'er knew in myself:
If I pretended to a jest, 'twas made one
By ineir interpretation ; if I offer'd
To reason of philosophy, though absurdly,
They had helps to save me, and without a blush
W onkl swear that I, by nature, had more know-
ledge.
Than others could require by any labour :
Nay, all I did, indeed, which in another
Was not remarkablf, in me shew*d rarely.
• tht elemmta ^f conrtihip,] L e. of
coart-polky. M. Mason.
r Im U iMrf promm common, Ac] Graccbo ii an apt
scholar : the*e oouMe utMcnratioos Are derived flrom the I«»-
•OBS of tbo Officer, in the Utt ace.
I Put OH ;] Se covered ; a freqnent exprcutun in theie
pUyt.
such
Grac. But then they tasted of your bounty.
Fran, True :
They gave me those good parts I was not bom to.
And, by my intercession, toey got that
Which, had I cross'd them, they durst not have hoped ,
for. !
Grae. All this is oracle : and shall I, then, |
For a foolish whipping, leave to honour him, i
That holds the wheel of fortune ? no ; that savours '
Too much of the ancient freedom. Since great men ,
Receive disgraces and give thanks, poor knaves I
Must have nor spleen, nor anger. Though I love
My limbs as well as any man, if you had now
A humour to kick me lame into an office,
Where I might sit in state and undo others.
Stood I not bound to kiss the foot that did it ?
Though it seem strange, there have been
things seen
In the memory of man.
Fran. But to the purpose,
And then, that service done, make thine own for-
tunes.
My wife, thou say*st, is jealous I am too
Familiar with the dutchess.
Grac, And incensed
For her commitment in her brother's absence :
And by her mother's anger is spurr'd on
To maJce discovery of it. This her purpose
'Was trusted to my charge, which I declined
As much as in me lay ; but, finding her
Determinately bent to undertake it,
Though breaking my faith to her may destroy
My credit with your lordship, I yet thought.
Though at my peril, I stood bound to reveal it.
Fran. I thank thy care, and will deserve
secret,
In making thee acquainted with a greater,
And of more moment. Come into my bosom.
And take it from me: Canst thou think,
Graccho,
My power and honours were conferr'd upon me,
And, add to them, this form, to hsve my pleasures
Confined and limited ? I delight in change.
And sweet variety ; that's my heaven on earth.
For which I love life only. I confess.
this
dull
ao
THE DUKE OF MILAN,
[Act it. 1
Mf wife pleasH En« % day. tbe dutclies«, two^
if And yet I murit not say I bav« enjoy 'd lier,)
But DOW I cftrfii for nvitijer : therpKife, Craccho,
So far I am from stop pin |? Miimiia
In making her complaiut, thut 1 Ueaire thee
To urge her to it,
Grac. That may prove your ruin :
The dulce already bein^, an 'tis rejwrtedf
Doubtful sbe hath play*d false.
F> an. There thou art coaen*d ;
Hia dotage, like an ng;ue., keeps bis coiir«fl»
And DOW 'tts strongly on him. But 1 lui^e time,
And thdreforit know, whelher tbou wilt or iio^
Tljou art to he my iDstrument; and« in spite
Of the old »aw, tbat itaya. It is nut safe
On any terms to truHt a man tbat's wrong'd,
I dare thi^ to be falae.
Grtic^ This is a long^ngo,
My lord» I understand noL
Fran, You thought, Birrah,
To put a trick on me for the relatioti
Of what I kuew before, and, baring won
Some weighty secret from me, in rerange
'I'o play tlie traitor. Know, thou wretched thing",
By my command thoti wert whipt ; and every duy
ril have thee freahly tortUTtnl, if thou misia
In the lenst charge that I impose upon thee,
Tlioiigh what I apeak, for the most |uirt, b true;
Niky, ^jnut thou hadjit a thousand witneiij»ea
To b* deposed they beard it, 'tis in me,
With one wonl« aucb is Sforia s conhdcnce
Of my fidelity not to be^ihaken,
To make all void, and njin my accusers.
Therefore look to*t ; bring my wife hotly on
To Dccuiie me to the dukp— I have an <*nd in^
Or think mh«t \k nmkea man most miseniblw,
And that shall fall upon thee. Tliou wert a fool
To hopf , by bein^ actpiaintpd with my row Ties,
1 o curb uud awe mt* j or that I should live
Thy alave, as thou didst snucilv drviue:
For pryinj? in ray rounaels, still livemine* [Eji(.
Grae. I am caught ou both stdea. lliia 'tia for a
puisine
In policy's Proteun school, to tin' conclusioua
With one tbat hath commenced, and gone out doctor*.
If 1 discover whml but now he bmpg'd of,
1 shkill not Ih* bptipvi>d : if I fall off
Frcm him, hiii threat:* and actions go togethE>r,
And thi^re'^ no liope of safety. Till I get
A plummet that may sound his di^npeat cnunselsi
I must obey and serve him ; Want of skill
Now makes me pluy the rogue agitinat my wtU.
[KtH.
SCENE 11. — Atiother Room in the same.
Eater Mabcelia, Tr&ERto, SiiipaAvo, and
GendewouLan.
Marc, Command me from bis sightj and with aucb
acorn
Aa he would rata his slare !
• -^^^ fAfry coiidlri<^ions
With tmr ihnt hoik cum r<< ncH, ami gotie ovi doctor.']
To try Ctmi'lu9iim§, » ¥^ry cinnmoti ci:pre!«*inii. In, it> \ry
CTprrnitriiti : " IhkI hcliji Ihrm,*' jfl)f Gi4l)Hr1l Har'vey, in \\ls
Hunt U'Uetj "Ih*! hNiVr nfiUier hthJIBiv t*> Ivplpc, m*r wit in
Eihliitthrnijiehr)*, but will nviny^ try ctmcltmmu bilwrirn thtir
ke*n*?i •ihI tlie nv%t Wi*lK " (-omiM^ncfd^ tLw\ gmWfmt.v^hUh
nccnr Id iht Mr«U line, are I'ttiverAiiy terma, adiI lo be met
iritb ia tmotx of out dkl tlnuuai :
TiL 'Twaa in His fury,
Stiph. And he repenta it, madam.
Marc, Wa* 1 bam
To observe hia humourg ! or, becwue* lie i!ote«,
iVIiist I run mad ?
TiA, If that your excellence
Wo old pli»ase but to receive b feeling kiiow1ed{9
Of what he sQ^nrd, and how deep die least
Unktndneiis wounda from you, you wiMiId exeoie
His haaty language.
Stejitk. He bath paid the forfeit
Of bia offence, Vm sure, with !<ucli a aorrow.
As, if it bad beea greater, would deserve
A full remiiisiou.
Marc. W by, perlta|ka, be Itath it ;
And I stand more aMicted for bis abaenet.
Then be can be for mine ; — so, pnij yoa^ tcU him.
But, till 1 have digested aome md tbougbla.
And recoocited tiasMiona that are at war
W ithin myself, 1 pitqioae to be privatt*.
And have you care, unless it be Fmncisco,
Tbat no man he admitted. [Ejit Gentkwommi*
Tib. How, Franrisco!
Sieph, He, tliut at every atage keep« lirery nit'
The iftallion of tbe slate I [irvasM;
Tih, They are thintips above aa.
And »o no way conciTn ua.
Stepk. If I were
The duke, (I freely rauft confeas my wedmeas^)
Enter FaA>cisco.
I should wear yellow breach ?»•. Here be cornea,
Tib, Nay, spare your labour, lady, we kjiow our
And quit tlie room. [dutyf,
StqJt, in this her privacy !
Though with the hnzurd of a check, perliapa^
This may goto the duke,
[ F^eunt Tiberh and Stt|iA«Mb]
Marc. Your face b full
Of fears and doubts : the reason T
Fran, O best madam,
They are not counterfeit, T» your poor convert.
That only wiah to live in sLtd repcmtance.
To mourn my desperate attempt of you,
Ibat have no endii nor aims, but that your goodness
Might be a witness of mv {wnitence.
Which seen, would tench you how to love your mercy,
Am rohb'd of thai hist bnpp* The duke, the duke,
I more than fear, hatli found that I am g-iiilty.
Mfirc. By my unspotte^l honour, not from ma;
Nor have f with him chnnged one avlkble.
Since his return, but wbal jou beard.
Fran, \et malice
Is ea|^le-eyed, and would see tliat which is not ;
And jealousy *a too apt to build upon
Unsure foundations.
Mure, Jeelou-iV !
Fran, [Asuie.jh tok- s.
** How mmny tlivt tmvt dom- ill, "od prae^edt
Wiittien lh«t fo*«r rfryrw* ia WttnlnoriM*,
Commemx, and n*c tit nirlimmti **t Imm." ftc
Thr t/um^ tif r*rfe»ML
• i nhould mrar vi-llt>w Ar»rcfrp».J i.e. H«jch1iiii ; yrllow*
wHb CKUf oM pot'L»,'lK-lit|$ Itte ti4cr> of Jcaluu^^ : ibi* iwcdt
DO «ft««Mpk.
t S^iiff, tpttrt }fimr labovr, lativ-, fcr hnent ottr doty,
And quit thf rnmn.] IJutp was b^M'rieil trji Cu^
thiit, »r a word of ^Imirir imp^vrl, haviiti; brcn tit^^^ i
^T*u. Both the quArio# tiAVc. for ktwtt nur nU, miki
ditli'rrncc, that the tut ( ie3tl> eabtl>iucjr<f,u Iter*, ia i
clitTicien.
i ScEKB in.]
THE DUKE OF MILAN.
I
81
Mare. Who dkres but only think I can be tainted ?
But for him, though almost on certain prool^
To give it hearing, not belief, deaerrea
My liate for erer.
Fran. Whetlier grounded on
Your noble, yet chaste farours shewn unto me ;
Or her imprisonment, for her contempt
To you, by my command, my frantic wife
Hath put It in his head.
3fare. Have I then lired
So long, now to be doubled ? Are my favours
The themes of her discourse ? or what I do.
That never trod in a suspected path,
Subject to base construction ? He undaunted ;
For now, as of a creature that is mme,
1 riae up your protectress : all the grace
I hitherto have done youj was bestow*d
With a shut hand ; it shall be now more free.
Open, and liberal. But let it not.
Though counterfeited to the life, teach yon
To nourish saucy hopes.
Fran. May I be blasted.
When I prove such a monster !
Mare. I will stand then
Between you and all danger. He shall know.
Suspicion otrertums what confidence builds ;
And be that dares but doubt when there's no ground,
Is neither to himself nor others sound. [Exit,
Fran. So, let it work ! Her goodness, that denied
My service, branded with the name of lust,
SImU now destroy itself; and she shall find, ^
When he's a suitor, that brings cunning arm*d
With power, to be his advocates, the denial •
la a disease as killing as the plague.
And chastity a clue that leads to death.
Hold but thy nature, duke, and be but rash
And violent enough, and then at leisure,
Repent ; I care not.
And let my plots produce this long'd-for birth.
In my revenge I have my heaven on earth. [Exit.
SCENE Ul.—Another Room m Oie tame.
Emier Sforza, PfscARA, and three Gentlemen.
Peie. Yon promised to be merry.
1 Gent There are pleasures.
And of all kinds, to entertain the time.
9 CenL Your excellence vouchsafing to make
Of that which best affects you. [choice
S/'or. Hold your prating.
Lcsrn manners too ; your are mde.
3 Gent. 1 have my answer.
Before I ask the question. [Aside.
Pete. I must borrow
The privilege of a fnend, and will ; or else
I am like tEsae. a servant, or, what's worse,
A parasite to the sorrow Sforza worships
In spite of reason.
»yor. Pray you, use your freedom ;
And ao ftr, if you please, allow me mine.
To hear yon only ; not to be eompell'd
To take your moral potions. I am a man.
And, though philoet^hy, your mistress, rage for't.
Now I have cause to grieve, I must be sad ;
And I dare shew it.
Peee, Would it were bestow'd
Upon a worthier rabject
Sfor. Take heed, fnend!
You rub a sore, whose pain will make me mad ;
And I shall then forget myself and you.
Lance it no further.
Pefc. Have you stood the shock
Of thousand enemies, and outfaced the anger
Of a great emperor, that vow'd your ruin.
Though by a desperate, a glorious way.
That had no precedent ? are you return d with honour,
Loved by your subjects ? does your fortune court
you,
Or rather say, your courage does command it ?
Have you given proof, to this hour of your life,
Prosperity, that searches the best temper,
Could never puff you op, nor adverse fate
Deject your valour ? Shall, I say, these virtues,
So many and so various trials of
Your constant mind, be buried in the frown
(To please you, I will say so) of a fiiir woman;
Yet I have seen her equals.
Sfor. Good Pescara,
This language in another were profane ;
In you it is unmannerly. — Her equal !
I tell you as. a friend, and tell you plainly,
(To all men else my sword should make reply,)
Her goodness does disdain comparison,
And, but herself, admits no parallel*.
But you will say she's cross ; 'tis fit she should be.
When I am foolish ; for she's wise, Pescara,
And knows how far she may dispose her bounties.
Her honour safe ; or, if she were adverse,
'Twas a prevention of a greater sin
Ready to fall upon me ; for she's not ignorant.
But truly understands how much I love her,
And that her rare parts do deserve all honour.
Her excellence increasing with her years too,
I might have fallen into idolatry.
And, from the admiration of her worth.
Been taught to think there is uo Power above her ;
And yet 1 do believe, had angels sexes.
The most would be such women, and assume
No otJier shape, when they were to appear
In their full glory.
Pesc, Well, sir, I'll not cross you,
Nor labour to diminish your esteem,
Hereafter, of her. Since your happiness,
* Hergoodnen doe$ di$dain comparuont
And, but herself, admiu uo parallel.] The reader who
has any acqnaiiitiince with the literary nqnabbles ot the last
c( nttiry, cannot but recollect how Theobald was annoyed by
the Je»i8 levelled at him for this line in the Double Faite-
hood:
" None bnt himself can be his parallel."
He jnfttifled It, indeed, at »ome length ; bnt ** it is not for
gravity," as Sir Toby well observes, " to friay at cherry-pit
witli Satan ;" his waggish antagonists drove him ont of his
patience, and he, who had every thing bat wit on his ride,
is at this moment Inbonring nnder the conscqnences of hi^
imagined defeat. With re'pect to the phrase iu qncstiou, it
Is f iifficiently common ; and I conld produce, if it were ne
cessary, twenty instances of it from Massinger's contempo-
raries alone : nor is it peculiar to this country, but eshm in
every language with which I am acquainted. Even i^hile 1
am writing this note, the following pretty ex:mipr<; lies
before me, in the address of a grateftal Hindoo to Sir William
Jones :
" To yon there are many like me ; yet to me there iatwne
like you, but yoweelf; there are nnmerons groves of night
flowers; yet the night flower sees nothing like themoon,but
the moon. A hundred chiefs rale th« world, bat thou art an
ocean, and they are mere wells ; many luminaries are awake
in the sky, but which of them can be compared to Uie sunt"
See Memoirt of hie ttfe, by Lord Teignmouth.
G
8«
THE DUKE OF MILAN.
[Act IY.
As you will have it, has alone dependence
Upon her favour, from my soul I wish you
A fair atonement*.
Sj'or, Time, and my suhmisaion,
Enter Tiberiu and Siepuano.
May work her to it. — O ! you are well retum'd ;
Say, am I blest ? hath she vouchsafed to hear you?
Is there hope left that she may be appeased 1
I^t her propound, and gladly 1*11 subscribe
To her conditions.
Tib, She, sir, yet is fro ward.
And desires respite, and some privacy.
Steith She was harsh at first ; but ere we parted,
Implacable. [seem*d not
SJ'or, There's comfort yet : I'll ply her
Each hour with new ambassadors of more honours.
Titles, and eminence : my second self,
Francisco, shall solicit her.
Steph, That a wise man.
And what is more, a prince that may command.
Should sue thus poorly, and treat with his wife,
As she were a victorious enemy.
At whose proud feet, himself, bis state, and country,
Basely begg*d mercy !
Sfor. What is that you mutter?
1*11 have thy thoughts.
Sttph, Vou shall. You are too fond.
And feed a pride tliat's swollen too big already.
And surfeits with observance.
Sfor, O my patience !
My vassal speak thus ?
Steph, Let my head answer it,
I If I offend. She, that you think a saint,
I fear, may play the devil.
Peic, Well said, old fellow.
Steph, And he that hath so long 'engross'd your
favours.
Though to be named with reverence lord Francisco,
Who, as you purpose, shall solicit for you,
I think's too near her.
Pesc. Hold, sir ! this is madness.
Steph, It may be they confer of joining lordships ;
I'm sure he's private with her.
Sfor. Let me go,
I scorn to touch him ; he deserves my pity.
And not my anger. Dotard ! and to be one
Is thy protection, else thou durst not think
That love to my Marcelia hath left room
j In my full heart for any jealous thought : —
That idle passion dwell with thick-skinn'd trades-
men f.
The undeserving lord, or the unable !
Lock up thy own wife, fool, that must take physic
From her young doctor, physio upon her back I,
Because tliou hast the palsy in that part*
That makes her active. 1 could smile to think
What wretched things they are that dare be jealous:
Were I match 'd to another Messaline,
While 1 found merit in myself to please her,
* A faXr «tonrmrnt.] i. e. as Mr. M. Maoon obier\'e», «
rer«>nrUintion. To ntone'^tM often tbu seuie la. our oWl
writcru : «•» Sh;(ktipviir«! :
** lie and AndtliiiM can nn moro atone,
ThJin violcn^ent conlrarictlrp." CnriohnHS.
f That idle ftamon dwell tcith thick-»k\nn*d tradetmm ]
Thick'tkXnnW is the rrN(lin«; of b«>th tlicqiiartoy; the m<Mlern
editrtrs wantonly, and, I may a<ld, ignoranlly, di*ptac«<l it
for ihiek'fknWA. It in not to a want uf anfierttanding, but
to a Unntneu of feeling, that the speaker aUudea.
In this your studied purpote to demrnre her ;
And all the shot made by your foiu detraetioo.
Falling upon her sare-mrm d innocenoe,
I shoiUd believe her chaste, and would not
To find out my own torment ; but, alas !
Enjoying one that, but lo me, 'e a Dian *,
I am too secure.
Tib, This is a coofideoee
Beyond example.
Enter Graocho, Isabella, and Mariasca.
Grae, There he is — now apeak,
Or be for ever silent.
SfofT, If you come
To bring me comfort, say that yoa have made
My peace with my Marcelia.
lub, I had rather
Wait on you to your faneFaU
SfoT, I ou are my mother ;
Or, by her life, yon were dead else.
Jtfari. Would you were, i
To your dishonour ! and, sinoe dotage makea yoa i
Wilfully blind, borrow of me my eyes, I
Or some part of my spirit. Are you all flesh ? '
A lump of patience only ? no fire in yon ?
But do your pleasure :--here your mother was
Committed by your servant, (for I scorn
To call him husband,) and myself, your siater,
If that you dare remember such a name,
Mew'd up, to make the way open and fiiM
For the adultress, I am imwilbng
To say, a part of Sforza.
Sfor. Take her head off!
She hath blasphemed ! and by our law must die
Itah, Blasphemed! for calling ofawboire,awlioi«?
Sfor, O hell, what do 1 suffer !
Man, Or is it treason
For me, that am a subject, to endeavour**
To save the honour of the duke, and that
He ahould not be a wittol on record 1
For by posterity 'twill be believed.
As certainly as now it can be proved,
Francisco, the great minion that swaya all.
To meet the chaste embraces of the dutchesSt
Hath leap*d into her bed.
Sfor, some proof, vile creature!
Or thou hast spoke thy last.
Afari. The public fame,
Their hourly private meetings ; end e'en now.
When, under a pretence of grief or anger.
You are denied the joys due to a busbsm^.
And made a stranger to her, at all timea
The door stands open to him. To a Dutcliinan»
This were enough, but to a right Italian^
A hundred thousand witnesses.
Idab, Would yuu have us
To be her bawds?
Sfor, O the malice
And envy of base women, that, with horror.
Knowing their own defects and inward guilt.
Dare lie, and swear, and damn, for what's moat 6lse,
To cast aspersions upon one untainted !
Ve are in your nature's devils, and your eoda.
Knowing your reputations sunk for ever.
And not to be rccover'd, to have all
Wear your black livery. Wretches ; you have
A mouimiental trophy to her pureneas.
• thai, hut tame,*ea Diaa,] A <
tion of Diana. M. Mason. Aad so It is I
i; FceneIII.]
THE DUKE OF MILAN.
BS
I Rvtums upon yoarselres ; and, if my love
Could suffer an addition, I'm ao fiur '
> From ^ving credit to jon, this woold teach me
More to admire and serre her. You are not worthy
' To fall as sacrifices to appease her ;
! And therefore live till your own envy burst you.
1 Isab. All is in vain ', he is not to be moved.
Man. She has bewitch'd him.
Pesr. Tis so past belief.
To me it shews a fable.
Enter Fraxcisco, spesAii^ to a Servant within.
Fran. On thy life.
Provide my horses, and without the port
With care attend me.
Serv, [wiihinJ] 1 shall, my lord.
Grac. He's come.
What gimcrack have we next • ?
Fran, Great sir.
Sjor. Francisco,
Though all the joys in women are fled from me.
In thee I do embrace the full delight
That I can hope from man.
Fran. I would impart.
Please you to lend your ear, a weighty secret,
I am in labour to deliver to you.
Sfor, All leave the room. Excuse me, good Pescara,
£re long I will wait on you.
Pe$e. You speak, sir.
The language I should use.,
Sfor. Be within call.
Perhaps we may have use of you.
Tib. We sbiU sir.
lExeunt all but Sforta and Francitco.
Sfor. Say on, my comfort.
Fran. Comfort ! no, your torment.
For 90 my fate appoints me. I could curse
The hour that gave me being.
Sfor. What new monsters
Of misery stand ready to devour me T
Let them at once dispatch me.
Fran. Draw your sword then.
And, as you wish your own peace, quickly kill me ;
Consider not, but do it.
Sfor. Art thou mad ?
Fran. Or, if to take my life be too much mercy.
As death, indeed, concluaes all human sorrows.
Cat off my nose and ears ; pull out an eye.
The other only left to lend me light
To see my own deformities. Why was I bom
Without some mulct imposed on me by nature ?
Would from my youth a loathsome leprosy
Had run upon this face, or that my breath
Had been infectious, and so made me shunn*d
Of all societies ! curs'd be he that taught me
Discourse or manners, or lent any grace
lliat makes the owner pleasing in the eye
Of wanton women ! since those parts, which others
Value as blesi^inga, are to me afflictions.
Such mv condition is.
* ff^at gimcrack have we nertf] It may be that Coxeter
has hit apoD the right worti ; trot the ant syllable is omitted
in ttie old copies ; probalHy It was of an olfcnsive tendency.
Besides the terror of the law that hong; over the poet's head
alK>at tbb time, the Master of the Revt-ls Icept a scratinising
eye upon every passage of an indecent indecent for the
times; or profane tendency. It is Massinger's pecoliar praise,
that be is altogether firec Itom the htter.
Sfor, 1 am on the rack :
Dissolve this doubtful riddle*.
Fran. That I alone.
Of all mankind, tluit stand most bound to love you,
And study your content, should be appointed.
Not by my will, but forc^ by cruel tate.
To be your g^reatest enemy ! —not to hold you
In this amazement longer, in a word.
Your dutchess loves me.
5^ar. Loves thee ?
Fran. Is road for me.
Pursues me hourly.
Sfor. Oh !
r'ran. And from hence g^w
Her late neglect of you.
Sfor, O women ! women !
Fran. 1 laboured to divert her by persuasion.
Then urged your much love to her, and the danger ;
Denied her, and with scorn.
Sfor, 'Twas like thvself.
Fran. But when I saw her smile, then heard her
Bay,
Your love and extreme dotage as a cloak.
Should cover our embraces, and your power
Fright others from suspicion ; and all favours
That should preserve her in her innocence.
By lust inverted to be used as bawds ;
I could not but in duty (though I know
That the relation kills in you all hope
Of peace hereafter, and in me 'twill shew
Both base and poor to rise up her accuser)
Freely discover it.
Sfor, Eternal plagues
Pursue and overtake her ! for her sake,
To all posterity may he prove a cuckold.
And, like to me, a thing so miserable
As words may not express him, that gives trust
To all deceiving women ! Or, since it is
The will of heaven, to preserve mankind,
lliat we must know and couple with these serpents,
No wise man ever, taught by my example.
Hereafter use his wife with more respect
Than he would do bis horse that does him service -,
Base woman being in her creation made
A slave to man. But, like a village nurse,
Stand I now cursing and considering, when
The tamest fool would do ! — Within there ! Stephano,
Tiberio, and the rest. 1 will be sudden,
And she shall know and feel, love in extremes
Abused, knows no degree in hatef.
Enter Tiberio and Stepiiano.
Tib. My lord.
Sfor, Go to the chamber of that wicked woman —
Stephf What wicked woman, sir?
Sfor. The devil, my wife.
Force a rude entry, and, if she refuse
To follow you, drag her hither by the hair,
And know no pity ; any gentle usage
To her will call on cruelty from me.
To such as show it. — Stand you staring ! Go,
And put my will in act.
* Diaeolve this doabtful riddle.] Oar old writers used
dluolve and eolve indiscriminately '."or, if they made any
dilterence, it was in favoor of the former :
" he Is pointed at
For the fine coartier, the woman's roan.
That tells my lady stories, ditaolve* riddles."
The Quern qf Corinth.
f — — no degree in hate.] For no degree in hait, the
modern editors very incorrectly read, no decree of hate.
G «
84
THE DUKE OF MILAN.
[Act V.
S*eph, There's no disputing.
TiL But 'tis a tempest on the sudden raised,
Who durst hare dreom'd of?
I r^'^^' Tiberio and Stepkano,
Sfar. Nay, since she dares damnation,
I'll be a fury to her.
Fran, Yet, gjeot sir,
Exceed not in your fury j she's yet guilty
Only in her intent.
Sf'or, Intent, Francisco !
i It does include all fact ; and I might sooner
He won to pardon treason lo my crown.
Or one that kill'd my father.
Fran, You are wise.
And know what's best to do : — ^yet, if you please,
To prove her temper to the height, say only
That I am dead, and then observe how &r
She'll be transported. I'll remove a little.
Hut be within your call. Now to the upshot?
Ilowe'er I'll shift for one. [Exit.
I Be-enter Tibesio, Stephano, and Guard with Mar-
CELLA.
Marc, Where is this monster,
I'his walking tree of jealousy, this dreamer,
This horned beast tliat would be? Oh! are you here.
Is it by your commandment or allowance, [sir,
1 am thus basely used ? Which of my virtues.
My labours, services, and cares to please you.
For. to a man suspicious and unthankful.
Without a blush I may be mine own trumpet.
Invites this barbarous course? dare you look on me
Without a seal of shame?
Sfor, Impudence,
How ugly thou appear 'st now ! thy intent
To be a whore, leaves thee not blood enough
To make an honest blush ; what had the act done?
Marc. Return 'd thee the dishonour thou deservest,
Ihough willingly I had ^iven up myself
To every common letcher.
Sf'or, Your chief minion,
Your chosen favourite, your woo'd Francisco,
Has dearly paid for't ; for, wretch ! know, he's dead,
A nd by my hand.
Marc, The bloodier villain thou !
But 'tis not to be wondered at, thy love
Does know no otlier object : — thou hast kill'd then,
A man I do profess I loved ; a man
For whom a thousand queens might well be rivals.
But he, I speak it to thy teetli, tiiat dares be
A jealous fool, dares be a murderer.
And knows no end in mischief.
Sfar. 1 begin now
In this my iustice. [Siab$ her.
Marc. Oh ! I have fool'd myself
Into my grave, and only grieve for that
Which, when you know youVe slain an iiiDOoent,
You needs must suffer.
Sfor, An innocent ! Let one
Call in Francisco, for he lives, vile creature,
[£nl Stephana.
To justify thy falsehood, and how often.
With whorisn flatteries thou liast tempted him ;
I being only fit to live a stale,
A bawd and property to your wantonness.
Re-enter Siepuano.
Steph, Signior Francisco, sir, but even now.
Took horse without ihe porta.
Marc, We are botli abused,
And both by him undone. Stay, death, a little.
Till I have clear'd me to my lord, and then*
I willingly obey thee. O my Sforza !
Francisco was not tempted, but the tpinpter ;
And, as he thought to win me, shew*d toe warrant
That you sign'd for my death.
Sj'or, Then I believe thee ;
Believe thee innocent too.
Marc, But, being contemn 'd,
U]>on his knees wi(h tears he did beseech me.
Not to reveal it ; I, soft-hearted fool.
Judging his penitence true, was won unto it :
Indeed, tlie unkindness to he sentenced by yon,
Hefore that I wns guilty in a thought,
Mnde me put on a seeming angt-r towards yon, '
And now — behold tlie issue. As 1 do.
May heaven forgive you ! [Dio.
Tib. Her sweet soul has left
Her beauteous prison.
Steph, Look to the duke ; he stands
As if he wanted motion.
Tib. Grief hath stopp'd
The orgiin of his s]>eech.
Steph. Take up this body,
And call for his physicians.
Sfor, O my heart-strings ! [£m«t
ACT V.
SCENE I^ — The Milanese. A Room in Eugenia's
Houte,
Enter Francisco and Evof.ni a in male attire,
Fran, Why, couldst thou think, Eugenia that
rewarcis,
j Graces, or favours, though strew'd thick upon me,
' Could ever bribe me to forget mine honour ?
Or that I tamely would sit down, before
I had dried tliese eyes still wet with showers of tears.
By the fire of my revenge ? look up, my dearest !
For that proud lair, that, thief-like, stepi»'d between
I'hy promised hopes, and robb'd thee of a fortune
Almost in thy possession, hath found,^
With horrid proof, his love, she tliought lier glory.
And an assurance of all happiness.
But hastened her sad ruin.
Eug. Do not flatter
A fi:rief that is beneath it ; for. however
The credulous duke to me proved false and cniel.
It is impossible he could be wrought
* JW I have clear'd me to mp l&nl,and then] Tkblsihr
rrading of the fini qoiirtn : the wrund, which b thai MIowmI
by ih« modern edi.ori, gives Ihe line ia ihis •■■ircrkirf
manner:
TUt / havf ctetar'd mynrlf onto mtg tord^mmd tkmi
?=CKNK I.]
THE DUKE OF MILAN.
H5
To look on ber, but witb the eyes of dotage,
And so to tenre ber.
Fran. 8ucb, indeed, I grant,
The tttreem of bis sffection was, and ran
A constant courae, tiJl I, witb cunning malice.
And yet I wrong my act, for it was justice.
Made it turn backward ; and bate, in extremes, —
(-Ix>Te banisb*d from bis beart,) to fill the room :
In a word, know tbe fair Marcelia*s dead*.
Eti^. Dead! [you?
From, And by Sforza's band. Does it not move
How coldly Tou receive it ! I expected
Tbe mere relation of so great a blessing,
Bom proudly on tbe wings of sweet revenge.
Would bave call'd on a sacrifice of tbanks,
And joy not to be bounded or conoeal*d«
Yoa entertain it witb a look, as if
Yoa wisb'd it were undone.
Eug. Indeed I do :
For, if my sorrows could receive addition.
Her sad nte would increase, not lessen tbem.
Sbe never injured me, but entertain'd
A fortune bumblv offer'd to ber band,
Wbicb a wise faidv gladly would bave kneel'd for.
Unless yon would impute it as a crime,
Sbe was more iair tban I, and bad discretion
Not to deliver up ber virgin fort, [teara,
Tbo>ttgb strait besieged witb flatteries, vows, and
Until the churob bad made it safe and lawful.
And bad I been tbe mistress of ber judgment
And constant temper, skilful in tbe knowledge
Of man's malicious ^sebood, I bad never.
Upon bis bell-deep oatbs to marry me,
Given up mv hdr name, and my maiden bononr,
To bis foul lust ; nor lived now, being branded
In tbe forebead for bis wbore, tbe scorn and sbame
Of all good women.
Fran. Have you tben no gall.
Anger, or spleen, familiar to your sex 1
Or is it possible tbat you could see
Another to possess what was your due.
And not grow pale witb envy ?
Eug, Yes, of him
Tbmt did deceive me. There's no passion, tbat
A maid so injured ever could partaxe of.
But 1 bave dearlv sufier'd. These three yean.
In my desire ana kbour of revenue,
I'mstad to you, I bave endured uie throes
Of teeming women ; and will baxard all
Fate can inflict on me, but I will reach
Thy heart, fiilse Sforsa ! You have trifled witb me,
Anid not proceeded with that fiery seal
1 look'd for from a brother of your spirit.
Sorrow forsake me, and all signs of grief
Farewell for ever. Vengeance, arm^d witb fury.
Possess me wholly now!
Frmm. IIm reason, sister.
Of ibis strange metamorphosis ?
Emg, Ask thy feara :
Thy base, unmanlv fean, thv poor delays.
Thy dull forffetfuineas equal with death ;
My wroofl', else, and the scandal which can never
Be waah'd oflT from our house, but in bis blood.
Would have stirr'd up a cowud to a deed
In which, though he bad fallen, tbe brave intent
Had crown'd itself with a fair monument
• /» a ward, kmtw tkejmir MoreeUa'a dead.] Cos«ier mid
Mr. M. Mmmu emit Uw anicic, wUcH ailcdy dciiruya iIm
rhjchmofthcliM.
Of noble resolution. In this sliapo
I hope to get access ; and, then, with shame.
Hearing my sudden execution, judge
What honour thou hast lost, in being transcended
By a weak woman.
Fran. Still mine own, and dearer !
And yet in this you but pour oil on fire.
And offer your assistance where it needs not.
And, that you may perceive I lay not fallow.
But bad your wrongs stamp'd deeply on my heart
By the iron pen of vengeance, 1 attempted.
By whoring ber, to cuckold him : tbat failing,
I did begin bis tragedy in her death.
To which it served as prologue, and will make
A memorable story of your fortunes
In my assured revenge : Only best sister.
Let us not lose ourselves in tbe performance.
By your rash undertaking ; we will be
As sudden as you could wisib.
Eug. Upon those terms
I 3rield myself and cause, to be disposed of
As you think fit.
Enttr a Servant.
Fran. Thy purpose ?
Serv. There s one Graccho,
That followed you, it seems, upon the track,
Since you left Milan, that's importunate
To have access, and will not be denied ;
His haste, he says, concerns you.
Fran. Bring nim to me. [ Rrit Servant,
Tliougb he hath laid an ambush for my life.
Or apprehension, yet I will prevent him.
And work mine own ends out.
Enter Graccho.
Grac, Now for m^ whipping !
And if I now outstrip him not, and catch him,
And by a new and strange way too, hereafter
I'll swear there are worms in my brains. [Ande,
Fran. Now, my good Graccho ;
We meet as 'twere by miracle.
Grac. Love, and duty.
And vigilance in me for my lord's safety.
First taught me to imagine you were here.
And then to follow you. All's come forth, my lord,
Tbat you could wish conceal'd. The dutcbess'
wound,
In the duke's rage put home, yet gnve ber leave
To acquaint him with your practices, which your
Did easily roofinn. ["ight
Fran, This I expected :
But sure you come provided of good counsel,
To help in my extremes
Grac, I would not hurt you. [death ;
Fran, How ! hurt me ? such another word's thy
Why, dar'st thou think it can fidl in thy will.
To outlive what I determine ?
Grac. How he awes me I [Aside.
Fran. Be brief; what brought thee hither ?
Grac. Care to inform you
You are a condemn'd man, puraued and sought for.
And your bead rated at ten thousand ducaU
To bmi tbat brings iL
Fran, Very good.
Grac. All passages
Are intercepted, and choice troops of horse
Scour o'er tbe neighbour plains ; your picture sent
To every state confederate with Milan :
That, though I grieve to speak it, in my judgment.
So iljiclr your dunj^rt iii«t, uid rtm upon you,
It la iruposaibte yoti fthould escape
Their curious search.
Kug. Wliy, let us tlipn turn Roniani,
And, falling hy our own liand.4, iiiock their thiemU,
And dreadful prepnmtiofift.
Fran. "Twould fihow oobly ;
rtut that t}w honour of our full reTon^
\\>re ]out in tlie rash action. No, I^ugenia,
Grat'cho is wise, niy fnt^iid loo, noi my serTiuit^
And 1 dare tru<3t hira witli my latest secret.
We wouhl, fljid thmu must help us lo perform it,
First kill the duke — then, fall what can upon ua I
For injuries nri' writ in brass, Vintl Ciracchc*,
And not To he forjjejttmi.
i'trac. He instructs me [Aaide,
What J. should do.
Fran, \V hut's that ?
Grac, I labour v%ith
A 54trong desire to iiNSt>it \0M with my ser^Mce ;
And DOW I am deliverVJ oft.
Fran. I told you,
Spf'uk, mv oraculou^ Graccho.
Grac. I havt* heard, sir,
Of men m debt that, lay'd lor by their creditors,
In all such places w here it could b^ thoucdit
Thin' would take shelter, cho^*. for sajictuan%
TJieir lodt^ngs undemeath their cruditoru* uosefi.
Or near that prison to whicli they were desig:n'd^
If ajiprehendi d ; confident that tJier©
I'hey nev*?r should b« sought for.
Fuf^, 'Tis a strange one !
Fran, hut what infer you from it?
Crac. This, my lord i
That, since all ways of your escnpe nre atojipM,
hi *^lilan only, or, what's more, in the court,
Whither it is preiiumHl yon dare not come,
CoiJCeard in ftome disguise, you m«y live safe.
Frtin, And not to be dijscover'd I
Grac, Hut bv myself. [Gracc!io.
Fnin, Uy thee I Alas 1 I Vuow thee honest
And 1 will |iut thy couriHel into act,
And Jiuddenly. \'et^ not to be iinjjfmteful
Fnr all tliy loving travail to preserve me,
Whiit bloody end soe'er my stiir* iippoint, [there ?
Thou shult ibe wife, good Gractho, — Wlio's wjihio
Grac. In the devil's name, what iiitana ho* !
Enter Servants.
Frfffi, Take my friend
Into your custody, aacJ bind him fast j
I would not part with him.
Gntr. Mv gowl loi*d,
F'pflit. Disjialch :
Tis for your pood, to keep yon honest. Gracclio:
I would Mot have ten thousand ducats tempt you,
Bemg of a soft and wax-lik« disposition.
To [»biy the tnutor -, nyr a foolish itt^li
To be revenged for your lute excel lent whipping.
Give yoti the opjjtortunity to differ
ftly head for sutiAfuction. Why, tliou fool f
1 unii look tJjrough nud through thee ; thy intenta
Appear to me as written in thy forehetid
In plaia and eii»y elkartictera : and but that
• Grac* In thr dt-viPM tu/mr, itftat mfom he .'] Th* tcond
diiiirh* mnh* lltr ndjnr^liwti and UJJicly rr^tb,- u<Aa/ tntiittM
kef The Ucctiincr, Ui niauy cawts, fcems to luvt m ted <*-
prLtivniily ; hrrc. «i Hrll «* hi wvefftl ruber clicr i, he li»a
«ir^iii»ta 4t » KM«f and ftAnllowrd a caaHl. Tbe «xpr4:»sbii
ti4s already uccurred in the CnHaiurat Combai.
I scorn a slave's boas blood should mat that awotd
That from a prince expects a scarlet die.
Thou now wert dend ^ but live, only to pnf
For good sueceaa to erown my undertakings;
And then, at my return, perhaps TU free thee.
To make me further siwirt. Away with him '
I wdl not h«u* a sylbnle.
[Binint Srri^ntt with Gracrkm,
We must truAt
Ourselves, Eugenia ; and though we make use of
The coun^l of our servants, that oil spent.
Like snuffs that do ofiend, we tretui them out.-^
But now to our last scene, whic:b we'll so carry.
That fiiUiV shall understand how 'twiki begun.
Till all, with half an eye, mjiy a«e *Qa dmifeew
SCENE If.— Mihin. A Rnnm in (A# G»rt/#.
Efitfr PLsi'^nA, TiBiLitia, and $iti'tt4!MJi»
Feic, 1 he like wa« never n?ad of.
Suph. In my judgement^
To nil tliat fthall but beer it, 'twill app«iir
A most impossible fable,
Tib. For Francisco,
]\Iy wonder is tlie less, because tbera at«
Too many precedents of unthankful men
Raised up to greatness, which have after studied
The rum ot tbeir makers.
istffih. But tltat melancholy,
Tlinugb oifiing in distraction, shonld work
So far U)ion a man, as to comfiel him
To court % thing that has nor sense nor bcuig.
Is unto mti a nunicle,
Fw. Troth, I'll tell you.
And briefly as 1 can, by what clegreea
He fell inlo this mudness. \\ hfo, by the care
Of his physicians, he was brought lo life,
Atj be hud only |mss*d a fearful dream.
And bad not acted what 1 grieve to think on,
He cnlFd fur fair Alarcelia, and being told
1 hut she was dead, he broke forth in extremea,
(1 would not say blasphemed,) tmd chi*d that ||
heuven,
For all the offence* that mankind could do.
Would never be *o cruel as to rob it
Of so much sweetness, and of »o much good]
That not alone was sacred in herself,
But did preserve all others innocent,
Thrtt had but converse witb her* l*h«n it
Into his fancy that *he wns accused
By his mother and his sister ; ihrice be cursed iImb
And thrice his desperate hand waa on Uia sword
T'have kiird them both; but he restrain d, and tber
Shunning his fury, spite of »U prevention
He would have tiiru'd his rage upon himself;
When wisely his pbyitieiaus loolung on
The dutchesa' wound, to »tny his ready liond.
Cried out, it was not mortkil.
Tib, TwaH well thou girl on»
Fe»r. 1 Ih t-aMilv helieviiig what he wi^li^d.
More than a perpftuity of ideasure
In any object vine ; flattered by hoiie.
Forgetting his own greatuess, he fell prckstnlie
At the doctor's feet, imphjrid thnr aid, uud
Pro\-ided they recover a her, he would live
A private man. and they should shore his duk*deaa*
Tliey seem'd to promise iair, and every hour
Vary their Judgmcnta, as tlie) hud his tit
Scene III.]
THE DUKE OF MILAN.
87
To suffer intermission or extremes :
For his bebariour t
S/or, [withUi.] As you hare pity.
Support ner gently.
Peso, Now, be your own witnesses ;
I am prerented.
Enter Sporza, Isabella, Mariana, Doctors and
Servants wUh the Body cf Marcs.ua.
SfcfT. Ourefully, I beseech you.
The gentlest touch torments her ; and then think
What I shall suffer. O yon earthly gods,
You second natures, that from your great master.
Who join'd the limbs of torn Hippolitus,
And drew upon himself the Thunderer's enry.
Are tauf ht those hiddeu secrets that restore
To life death-wounded men ! yon hare a patient,
On whom to express the excellence of art.
Will bind even heaven your debtor, though it pleases
To make your hsnds the organs of a work
The saints will smile to loM on, and good angels
Clap their celestial wings to give it plaudits.
How pale and wan she looks ! O pardon me,
That I presume (died o*er with bloody guilt.
Which makes me, I confess, far, far unworthy)
To touch this snow-white hand. How cold it is !
This once was Cupid's 6re-brand, and still
'Tis so to me. How slow her pulses beat too !
Vet. in this temper, she is all perfection.
And mistress of a heat so full oi sweetness.
The blood of virgins, in their pride of youth.
Are balls of snow or ice compared unto her.
Afori. Is not this strange?
Itah. Oh ! cross him not, dear daughter ;
Our conscience tells us we have been abused,
Wrought to accuse the innocent, and with him
Are guilty of a fiict
Enter a Servant, ani whispers Pescara.
Maru lis now past help.
Pese. Withmel Whatishel
Serv. He has a strange aspect ;
A Jew by birth, and a physician
By his profession, as he says, who, hearing
Of the duke's frensy, on the forfeit of
His life will undertake to render him
Perfect in every part : — ^provided that
Your lordship's mvour gain him free access.
And yonr power with the duke a safe protection,
Till the great work be ended.
Pete Bring me to him ;
As I find cause. 111 do. [ Exeunt Pete, and Serv,
Sfor, How sound she sleeps !
Heaven keep her from a letlwrgy ! How long
(But answer me with comfort, 1 beseech you)
Does your sure judgment tell you, that these lids.
That cover richer jewels than themselves.
Like envious night, will bar these glorious suns
From shining on me 7
1 DoeL We have given her, sir,
A sleepy potion, that will hold her long.
That she may be less sensible of the torment
The searching of her woond will put her to.
ft Doet. She now feels little ; but, if we should
wake her.
To hear her speak would fright both us and you,
And therefore dare not hasten it.
Sfor, lampsitieBt.
Yon see I do not rage, bat wait your pleasure.
What do you think she dreams of now ? f6r sure.
Although her body's organs are bound fast,
Her fancy cannot slumber.
1 Doct, That, sir, looks on
Your sorrow foryour late rash act, with pity
Of what you suffer for it, and prepares
To meet the free confession of your guilt
With a glad pardon.
Sfor, She was ever kind f
And her displeasure, though call'd on, short-lived
Upon the least submission. O you Powers.
That can convey our thoughts to one another
Without the aid of eyes or ears, asi$ist me !
Let her behold me in a pleasing dream
Thus, on my knees before her ; (yet thst duty
In me is not sufficient ;) let her see me
Compel my mother, from whom I took life.
And til is my sister, partner of my being,
To bow thus low unto her ; let her hear us
In my acknowledgment freely confess
lliat we in a degree as high are guilty
As slie is innocent Bite your tongues, vile creatures.
And let your inward borrour fright your souls,
For having belied that pureness, to come near which,
AH women that posterity can bring forth
Must be, though striving to be good, poor rivals.
And for that dog Frmici^co, that seduced me.
In wounding her, to rase a temple built
To chastity and sweetneso, let her know
1*11 follow him to hell, but I will find him.
And there live a fourth fury to torment him.
Then, for this cursed hand and arm, that guided
The wicked steel. III have them, joint by joint,
With burning irons sear'd off", which I will eat,
I being a vulture fit to taste such carrion ;
Lastly
1 bod. You are too loud, sir ; you disturb
Her sweet repose.
Sfor, I am hush'd. Yet give us leave, '
Thus prostrate at her feet, our eyes bent downwards,
Unworthy and ashamed, to look upon her.
To expect her gracious sentence.
2 Doct, He's past hope.
1 Doct, The body too will putnfy, and then
We can no longer cover the imposture.
Tib, Which in his* death will quickly be dis-
I can but weep his fortune. [cover'd.
Steph, Yet be careful
You lose no minute to preserve him ; time
May lessen his distraction.
Re-enter Pescara, with Francisco as a Jew and
Eugenia disguised,
Fran, I am no god, sir.
To give a new life to her ; yet I'U hazard
My head, I'll work the senseless trunk t* appear
To him as it had got a second being.
Or that the soul that's fled from't, were call'd back
To govern it again. 1 will preserve it
In the first sweetness, and by a strange vapour.
Which I'll infuse into her mouth, create
A seeming breath ; I'll make her veins run high too.
As if they had true motion.
Peso, Do but this,
Till we use means to win upon his passions
T'endure to hear she's dead with some small patience.
And make thy own reward.
• Tib. Which in his death will quickly be dieeover'd,] I
know not how the inodera editor* understood this line, bat
for Ms, they read, her death : a strange sophistication I
m
rifK TJLTKK OF WILAN.
[Act W
Fran, Tbe nrt I une
AiliuiU DO Itviiker tm : T ori!y Ask
1 hi* fuurtU pmrt oT an Lour io perfect Unit
1 boldly ujidertdke.
/*«<*. I will procure it.
2 iJitrL What litninjrer's tliiiT
Pfit, SiJoth in*" in (ill I »iy ;
Thnrt* is R inaiti end iti't.
Fmn, li<^w ato !
Kw*-, I am wani'd,
/Vjt. Look up, sir, cljeerfuTly ; comfort in mo
Flowji aitruugly to yuu.
Sjfir, From wlit^nce came fhat sound f
\Vtt5 it from my Murct'liu ! If it were»
I rtMi, ujid joy wrjlj g^iv© me wing* to mwt if,
Pf*e. Nor e»hall your expectation be deferr'd
But a few minutcis. Your pbjstitians are
M«re voice, und no pcrfonniiuce ; I bnve found
A umn that can do wondt^re* Do not binder
The dntcbeiM' wiah*d recovery, to i^miuiro
Or what he i», or to givt* thanks, but Iwive him
To work Uus minjcJe.
Sj'i^r, Sure» 'tis my gooci angel.
I do obf'y io nil things ; be it death
For any to disturb him, or come ntmr^
Till he be pleased to call ua. O, be prosperous,
And make a duke thy bondman !
[Eievnt all but Fmnciieo and Eugtnm,
Fran. Tia my puqjose ;
If tlmr to tall a lowg-wish'd sncri6oo
To my Fpvtjnge can be a benefic
I'll first m»ke fiiBt the doors i — «o(
Eti^, \*m amsse me :
What follows now?
Fran. A foil conclusion
Of all thy wishes. Look on this* Eugenia,
Even such a thing, the proud eat fair on earth
( for whose delight the *»leraent8 are rBnsack'd,
And art with nntur** Htiidi»«d to j^reserir© her,)
Must be» w]i{>ri she is .summoned to appear
In the roun of death. But I lose time*
Eug, What mean you ?
Fran* Disturb me not. Your ladyship looks pale ;
But I, your doctor, hare a ceruse for yoy.
See, my Eugeniii, how many fnces,
That are idomed in court, borrow these helps,
{Paints the chrekt.
Aud (jass for excellence, when the better put
Of them are like to tliis. Your mouth smells soar
But here is tJjat shall tike awny the sc^nt ; [too,
A precious antidote o!d hwlii'S use, [rottefi,
When they wouhl kiss, knowing their gums are
These hands too, that dis4lnin*d to take« touch
From any lip, whose owner wnt not loni,
Are now but as the coarsest earth i but 1
Am at the charge, my bill not to be \md too,
Fo give thrm seeming beauty* So ! 'us done,
Itow do vou like my workmanship T
Eng. 1 tremble :
And thus totynnmize upon the dead
Is most inhuman,
Frati* Come we for revenge.
And can we think on pity ? Now to the upshot.
And. ai it proves, applaud it. My hml the duke,
Enter with juVt muI f<v*^ tJie stidileu chmige
Your servant s hand huth wrought.
Bf-itnifv Si-oaxA and the mt»
SyW* I live Ngnin
f o my full contidence tbftt Mirroelia mny
Prtmounoe my purdoQ. Can aha speak jet 1
Ffttii. No:
You must not look for aU your jo ji at once ;
'lliai will ask longer time.
Pttc, Tis wondrous strange f
Sftw* B}' all the dues oi lore I have had from hn.
Tins hand seems as it was when first I ktss'd it,
Tho*e lips invite too : I could ever feed
Ifpon tliKse rtjsest they still keep tbetr colour
And native swtfetness : only tlie nectar's wiintin|f.
That, ljk*» the morning dew in flowery May,
Preserved them in their btniuty.
Filler GaACcno fmUHjf*
Grnc. Treason, treiwon !
Tih. Cull up tJie gutird,
FrtiH, (Jniccho! tht-n we are lG«t,
Gnic. I am got off. ^ir Jew ; « bribe hath done lt«
For all your M>rions chsrg^e ; there's no diaguias
Con ke<»p you from my knowledge.
Sfar. Stif'Ak.
(jTuc. J am out of breath,
But this ia-^^
Fran. Spare thy luhtnir, fool» — Fiwicisco ••
AIL Monster of men I
Fran. Give me all attributes
Of all yon can imagine, yet I gtory
To be the thing I was bom. 1 am Fmncisca;
Fnnicisco, that was raised by yon. and made
The Ditnion of lh« time ; the same Fmnrisoo,
'fhat would have whored this trunk, when it Itaii llfto;
And, after, breiilhed a jealousy u|Hin che*^,
As killing as those damps thiit In Ich out plsguei
When the foundatiou of the earth is »hak**n:
I mude tjiee do a deed heaven wdl not j»afdc«n.
Which wos^ — to kill on innoeenL
Sj'or. Call fortli the tortures
For all that flesh can feel,
Fran, I d<»re the wont :
Only, to yield some reason to Uie world
Whv I pur.tiipd this course, look on this fiw^.
Made old liy thy base falsehoorl ; *Us Eugenia.
Sfifr. Eugi»nia!
A'mrK Dot^s it start yon, sir? my ttster,
S(*diiced and fuoi'd hy thee: but tboa must pay
1'he forfeit of thy falsehoo«L Does it not work jriCt<
W^iato'er becomes of me, wliich 1 esteem not.
Thou art marked for the grave : I've given lliee
fKiison
fn this cup*, (now obaerve me.) which thy last
Carousing dt^^ply of, made thee forget
Thv vow'd fiiitli to Hugenio.
PfM"* O damn'd villain !
hitff. How do you, sir I
Sjor. Ljk« one
That lenrns to know in death what punishTnent
Waits on l)ie bretich of faith. Oh t now 1 leel
bntil NViiwjil uf hii (aili, witli «a tfmphatic^l repftitii*e *irtJ*
nam*, *M tbc cntmirralioti of M* »?i«m) aci«
whkh bv jaMlile* rrum ii ■pirif of rcvrn^«,iii «[)
fsvt rite le one or thp iii4»»t Jiniinatrrl scru^n
p«ctry. Tbe rrMler ^
*rt uf Dr. YuUM(;'i F<
4r:trndt rvrry crui*! ,' i
t /wpy^
in thi* cttpt 4kc.1 t e. in >
terrible m:«ih!, «ih1 h** the ^■.
Italiitt itory
th4( I rricf
7,An%n. Iikr praaici*rt»»
I* act ttr hm* ciMnmmH
orrlla. Thit i* •
-.^■^ Uk«« fVutii toiDc
Scene II.
THE DUKE OF MILAN.
89
An i£tna in my entnilsw — 1 liETe lived
A prince, and my last breath shall be command.
— I bum, I burn ! yet ere life be consumed,
Let me pronounce upon this wretch all torture
That witty cruel^ can invent.
Pe$t. Away with him !
Tib. In all things we will serve you.
Fran. Farewell, sister !
Now I have kept mj word, torments I scorn :
I leave the wond with grlory. They are men.
And leave behind them name and memory.
That wrong 'd, do right themselves before they die.
[Exeunt Guard wUh Frane'aco,
Steph, A desperate wretch !
Sfor. 1 come : Deadi ! I obey thee.
Yet I will not die raging ; for, alas !
My whole life was a frenzy. Good Eugenia,
In death forgive me. — As vou love me, bear her
To some religious house, there let her spend
The remnant of her life : when I am ashes,
Perhaps shell be appeased, and spare a prayer
For my poor soul. Bury me with Marceliu,
And let our epitaph be [ Dies.
Tib. His speech is stopt.
Steph. Already dead ?
Pesc. It is in vain to labour
To call him back. We'll give him funeral.
And then determine of the state affdrs :
And learn, from this example. There's no trust
In a foundation that is built on lust. [Ereiinf*.
* Mr. M. Muoo, cODtrarv to hb coclom, has given an
ftccoaot of this pUy ; bat it u loo looie und anaatUnctory to
be prcaenled to the reader. He has obavrved, indeed, what
coald not easily be missed,— the beanty of Ihe langnase, the
elevation of tlie sentiments, the interesting nature of the
sitaatioos, &c. Bat Ihe interior motive of the piece, — llie
spring of action from which Ihe tragic events are made lo
flow, — seems to Iuit« ntterly escaped him. He has Uicen
the accessory for the primary passion of it, and, opon his
own errur, fonnded a comparison between the Dube qf
Milam and OthtfUo.- But let ns hear Massinger himself.
Fearing that, in a reverse of fortune, his wife may fall into
the posse s sion of another, Sforxa gives a secret order for her
murder, and attributes his resoluaun to the excess of his
atuchment :
** Tis more than love to her, that marlcs her out
A wish'd companion to me in both fortunes."
Act I. so. iii.
This Is carefhlly remembered in the conference between
Marcelia and Francis<-o, and connected with the le«liugs
which it occasions in ler :
" that my lord, my Sforxa, should esteem
My life fit only »* a page, to wait ou
The various coarse '^f his uncertain fortunes ;
Or clierish in himself that sensual hope.
In death to know me as a wife, afflicts me."
Act III. sc. ii.
Upon this disapprobation of his selfish motive, is founded
her reserve towards him, — a reserve, however, more allied
to lendrmeM than to anger, atid meant as a pnident correc-
tive of his unreasonable desin*s Ani fVom this reserve, 111
interpreted by Sforaa, proceeds that jealousy of bis in the
fuarth act, which Mr. M. Mason will have lo be the ground
work of the whole subject !
BnC if Massinger must be comiMred with somebody, let it
be with himreir: for, as the reader will by ami by perceive,
ihe Duhe ^fMUan has more »ub»lauti4l conneK ion with the
Picture than with Othello. In his axuri<NMness,— his dieting
entreutkn of his wife's favours, — his abject rtr^ncals of the
mediation of others for biiu, Ac. 8tc. Sforxa stmngly resem-
bles Ladislans ; while the friendly and bold reproofs of his
fondness by Pcscara and Stephano prrpare us for the rebukes
afterwards emploved against the same failing by the intrepid
kindness of Eubmus. And not only du we find this similai ity
in some of the leading sentiments of the two plays, but
occasionally the very language of the one is carried inio Ihe
other.
As lo Ihe action itself of this piece, it is highly animating
and interesting; and its connexion, at the very opening, with
an important passaee of history, prucures fur it at ouc«- a
decided attention, "nils is, for Ihe most part, «« ell maintained
by strong and rapid alternaiions of, fortune, till the catastrophe
i» matured by the ever-working vengeance of FrMDciscii.
Even here, the author his contrived a novelty of interest
little expected by the reader: and the late appearance of the
injured Eugenia throws a fresh emotion into the conclusion
of the play, while it explains a ronsiderable part of Ihe plot,
with which, indeed, it is essenti-«llv connected.
The character of Sforxa himself is strongly conceived.
His passionate fondness for Marcelia,— his sudden rage at her
apparent coolness, — his resolute renunciation of her,— his
speedy repentance and ftretfnl impatience of her absence,—
hts vehement defence of her innocence,— his quicic and
destructive vengeance against her, upon a false assertion of
her dishonour,— and iiis proirtrations and mad embraces of her
dead body,— shew the force of dotage and hate in their ex-
tremes. His actions are wild and ungovemed, and his whole
life b (as he says) made up of frenxy.
One important lesson is to be drawn from the principal
feature of this character. From Sforxa's ill-rcgulate<l fomi-
ness for Marcelia flows his own order for her murder. The
discovery of it occasions the distant behaviour of the wife,
the revenge of the husband, ami the death of both. — Let nii
nite the blcstiin^s of life with miKiesty and thankfulness. He
who aims at intemperate gratifications, disturbs the order of
Providence ; and, in the premature loss of the object which
he toi> fondly covets, is made to feel the Just pnnishnieiit of
unreasonable wislies, and ungoverneU induljeuce. Da.
THE
BONDMAN.
The Bondman.] Hitherto we have had oo clue to guide us in ascertaining the true date of these dramas.
The fortunate discovery of Sir Henry Herbert's Office- book enables us, from this period, to proceed with
every degree of certainty.
The Bondman was allowed by tlie Master of the Revels, and performed at the Cockpit in Dmnr Lane, on
the third of December, 16^3. It was printed in the following year, and again in 1638. This editioo is full
of errors, which I have been enabled to remove, by the assistance of the first copy, for which I am indebted
to the kindness of Mr. M alone
This ancient story (for so it is called by Massinger) is founded on the life of Timoleon the Corinthian, as
recorded by Plutarch. The revolt and subsequent reduction of the slaves to their duty, is taken from Hero-
dotus, or, more probably, from Justin*, who repeats the tale. The tale, however, more especially the catas-
trophe, is trifling enough, and does liule honour to those who invented, or those who adopted it , but the
beautiftil episode here founded upon it, and which is entirely Massinger's own, is an inimitable piece of art.
This is one of the few plays of Massinger that have been revived since the Restoration. In 1660 it was
brought on the stage bv Betterton, then a young man, who played, as Downes the prompter informs us, the
part of Pisander, for which nature had eminently qualified him. It was again performed at Druiv Lane in
1719, and given to the press with a second title of Love and Liberty , and a few insignificant alterations; and
in 1779 a modification of it was produced by Mr. Cumberland, and played for a few nights at Covent
Garden, but, as it appears, with no extraordinary encouragement It was not printed.
RIGHT HONOURABLE, MY BINGUlJiR GOOD LORD,
PHILIP EARL OF MOJ^TGOMERY,
KNIGHT OF THE MOST NOBLE ORDER OF THE GARTER, Sec.
Right Honourable,
However I could never arrive at the happiness to be made known to your lordship, yet a desire, bom with
me, to make a tender of all duties and service to the noble family of the Herberts, descended to me as sn
inheritance from my dead father, Arthur Massingurf. Many years he happily spent in the service of your
honourable house, and died a servant to it ; leuving hist to be ever most glad and ready, to be at the com-
mand of all such as derive themselves from his most honoured master, your lordship's most noble fiither.
The consideration of this encouraged me (having no other means to present my humblest service to your
honour) to shroud this trifle under the wings of your noble protection ; and I hope, out of the demienar of
your heroic disposition, it will find, though perhaps not a welcome entertainment, yet, at the worst, a gracious
pardon. When it was first acted, your lordship's liberal suffrage taught others to allow it for current, it
having received the undoubted stamp of your lordships allowance : and if in the perusal of any vacant hoar,
when your honour's more serious occasions shall give you leave to read it, it answer, in your lordship's
judgment, the report and opinion it had upon the stage, I shall esteem my labours not ill employed, and, while
I live, continue
the humblest of those that
truly honour vour lordship.
PHILIP MASSINGER.
• It may, Indeed, be taken from an acconnt of RoMia in Purcha*'$ PUgrima, a book that formed the ddifkt of osr
ancestors. There it U Mid, lb.it the Roiards of Novlort>iiod reduced iheir slaves, who had seised the town, by the wyp, jaM
as the Scvthians are Mid to have done theirs.
t ff If dead father, Arthnr Mauinger.] &o reads the first editioo. The modem editors follow the Mcood, wUck has
PhUiu Massinger. See tlie Iniioductiun.
X Leaning his to he ever mott glad, &c.] So it stands in both the old quartos, and In Coxeter. Mr. M. Mmos, wUhont
authority, and indeed witliont reason, inserts mm after hia : but the dedication, as given by him, and his
the second quarto, is full of errors.
Scene I.]
THE BONDMAN.
91
DRAMATIS PERSON .t.
TnioLEON, the general, of Corinth.
Arcmidajiius, ■prtttor of Syracusa.
DiPHiLus, a $enatar o/ Syracusa.
Cleon, a fat impotetit lord,
PisA.vDER, a gentleman of Thebes ; disguised as a
slave, named MuruWo. (The Bondman.)
PoupuRON, friend to Pisander ; also disguised as a
slave.
Leosthenes, a gentleman of Syracusa, enamoured of
Cleora.
AsoTVS, a foolish Uner, and the son of Cleon.
TiMAOOBAS, the son of ArchidamuA.
GnACcuLO,
ClMRRIO,
A Gaoler.
slaves.
Cleora, daughter of Krc\\\dw[i\iB.
Co RISC A, a proud watiton lady^ wife to Cleon.
Olympia, a rich widow.
Statilia, sister to Pisander, slave to Cleora, named
Timandra.
Zantiiia, slave to Corisca.
Other slaves, 0£Scers, Senators.
SCENE, Sjrracuse, and the adjacent country.
ACT I.
SCENE I. — The Camp of Timoleon, near S)Tacuse.
Enter Timagoras and Leosthenes.
Timag. Why should you droop, Leosthenes, or
despair
My sister's favour ? What before you purchased
By courtship and fair language, in these wars
(For from her soul you know ahe loves a soldier)
You may deserve by action,
LeosL Good Timngoras,
When I have said my friend, think all is spoken
That may assure me yours ; and pray you believe.
The dreadful voice ot war that shakes the cit^.
The thundering threats of Carthage, nor their army.
Raised to make good those threats, affright not me. —
If fair Cleora were confirm'd his prize.
That has the strongest arm and sharpest sword,
I'd court Bellona in her horrid trim,
As if she were m mistress ; and bless fortune.
That offers my young valour to the proof.
How much I dare do for your sister's love.
But, when that I consider bow averse
Your noble father, gr^at Archidamus,
Is, and hath ever been, to mv desires.
Reason may warrant me to doubt and fear,
What seeds soever I sow in these wars
Of noble courage, his determinate will
Blay blast and give my harvest to another.
That never toil'd for it.
Tima^. Prithee, do not nourish , [me,
Theae jealous thoughts ; I am thine, (and pardon
Though I repeat it,) thy Timagoras*,
That, for thy sake, when the bold Theban sued,
Far-famed Pisander, for my sister's love.
Sent him disgraced and discontented home.
I wrought my father then ; and I, that stopp'd not
In the career of my affection to thee.
When that renowned worthy, that, brought with himf
Themgh / r^eat it,) tby f imagora*.] So the oM copies.
What lodnccd the modem editors to make nonsense of the
passaee, and print mg Leosthenes, I cannot even g:aess.
t frhen thai remowmed worthy, that, bromght with him]
In tbis Une Mr. M. M smh omits the second that, which, he
•ays *' destroys both sense and metre." The rcdnplication is
High birth, wealth, courage, as fee'd advocates
To mediate for him : never will consent
A fool, that only has the shape of man,
Asotus, though he be rich Cleon's heir.
Shall bear her from thee.
Least. In that trust I love*.
Timag. Which never shall deceive you.
Enter Pisander.
Pisan. Sir, the general,
Timoleon, by his trumpets hath given warning
For a remove.
Timag. 'Tis well ; provide my horse.
Pitan. 1 shall, sir. [Exit
Least. This slave has a strange aspect. [knare :
Timag. Fit for bis fortune ; 'tis a strong-limb'd
My father bought him for my sister's litter.
O pride of women ! Coaches are too common —
They surfeit in the happiness of peace,
And ladies think they keep not state enough,
If, for their pomp and ease, they are not bom
In triumph on men's shoulders f.
Leost. Who commands
The Carthaginian fleet?
Timag. Gisco's their admiral.
And 'tis our happiness ; a raw young fellow.
One never tniin'd in arms, but rather fashion'a
To tilt with ladies* lips, than crack a lance ;
Ravish a feather from a mistress' fan,
And wear it as a favour. A steel helmet.
Made horrid with a glorious plume, will crack
His woman's neck.
Leost. No more of him.^ — The motives,
That Corinth gives us aid ?
entirely in],Mas8inger'sftianDcr,and sMoredly destroys neither.
With respect to the sense, that is enforced by it ; and no
very exquisite ear is required, to perceive that the metre is
improved.— How often will it be necessary to observe, that
oar old dramaticts never counted their syllables on their
Angers r
* Leost In that trust J love.] Love is the reading of both
the quartos. In the modern ediiioiu it is unnecessarily
altered to live.
t In triumph on men's shoulders.} Referring to the then
recently introduced sedan-chairs, which excited much indlg-
oatioa in Massinger's time.
9«
THE BONDMAN.
[SCFNE III.
Timag, The common danger ;
For Sicily being afire, she is not safe :
It being npparent that ambitious Carthage,
That, to enlarge her empire, strives to fasten.
An unjust gripe on us that live free lords
Of Syracusa, will not end, till Greece
Acknowledge her their sovereign.
LeosL I am satisfied.
What think you of our general "i
Timag, He's a man [Trumpets sound.
Of strange and reserved parts, but a great soldier*.
His trumpets call us, I'll forbear his character j
To-morrow, in tlie senate-house, at large
He will express himself.
LewU rU follow you^* [Exeunt
SCENE II. — SvRAcrsE. A Uoom in Clean* s House,
Enter Cleon, Corisca, and Guacculo.
Coris, Nay, good chuck.
Cieon, Vve ?aid it ; stay at home,
I cannot brook your gadding ; you're a fair one,
Beauty invites temptations, and' short heels
Are soon tripp'd up.
Coris, Deny me ! by my honour,
You take no pity on me. I shall swoon
As soon as you are absent ; ask my man else,
You know he dares not tell a lie.
Grac. Indeed,
You are no sooner out of sight, but she [doctor,
Does feel strange qualms ; then sends for her young
Who ministers physic to her on her back,
Her ladyship lymg as she were entninced :
(Vve peep'd in at the keyhole, and observed them:)
And sure his potions never fail to work,
For she's so pleasant in the taking them,
She tickles again.
Cor is. Ana all's to make you merry,
When you come home.
Cleon, You flatter me : I'm old.
And wisdom cries, Beware.
Coris. Old, duck ! To me
You are a young Adonis.
Grac. Well said, Venus ;
I am sure she Vulcans him.
Coris. I will not change thee
For twenty boisterous yo^mg things without beards.
These bristles give the gentlest titillations.
And such a sweet dew flows on them, it cures
My lips without pomatum. Here's a round belly !
*Ti8 a down pillow to my back ; 1 sleep
So quietly by it : and this tunable nose,
Faitb, when you hoar it not, affords such music,
That I curse all night-fiddlers.
Grac. This is gross.
Not finds she flouts him !
Coris, As I live, 1 am jealous.
CUon, Jealous of me, wife?
Coris, Yes ; and I have reason ;
Knowing how lusty and active a man you are.
Cleoti, Hum, hum ! [will make him
Grac, This is no cunning quean f ! slight, she
* Timag. He's a man
O/st range and reserved paHs» butaffreat soldier.] Strange
signiileii here distant. M. Mason.
1 <lo not pretend to know the meaning of distant parlk
MaMinger, liowever. is clear enough : strange and reserved,
in his langnace, is, strHngely (i. e. simjnlaily) reserved.
f Orac. 7*hls is no cunning quean .'] In our author's time,
as b justly obeirved by Warburtun, " the negaUve, in com-
To think that, like a stag, be has cast his horus.
And is grown young again.
Coris, You have forgot
What you did in your sleep, and, when you waked,
Call'd for a caudle.
Grac. It was in his sleep ;
For, waking, I durst trust my mother with him.
Coris, I long to see the man of war : Cleora,
Archidamus* daughter, goes, and rich Olympia ;
I will not miss the show.
Cleon. There's no contending :
For this time 1 am pleased, but 111 no more on*t.
[EreutU,
SCENE lU^—Thesame, The SenaU-house.
Enter Abchioamus, Cleon, Diphiliw, Olympia,
Corisca, Cleora, and Zanthia.
Archid, So careless we have been, my nuble lords
In the disposing of our own aflairs,
And ignorant in the art of government.
That now we need a stranger to instruct ns.
Yet we are happy that our neighbour Corinth,
Pitying the unjust gripe Carthage would lay
On Syracusa, hath vouchsafed to lend us
Her man of men, Timoleon, to defend
Our country and our liberties.
Dtp^ 'Tis a favour
We are unworthy of, and we may blush
Necessity compels us to receive it. [naticm
Archid, O shame ! that we, that are a populous
Eng^aged to liberal nature, for all blessings
An island can bring forth ; we, that have limbs.
And able bodies ; shipping, arms, and treasure.
The sinews of the war, now we are call'd
To stand upon our guard, cannot produce
One fit to be our general.
Cleon, I am old and fat ;
I could say something else.
Archid, We must obey
The time and our occasions ; ruinous buildings.
Whose bases and foundations are infirm.
Must use supporters : we are circled round [wings.
With danger; o'er our heads witli sail-stretch*d
Destruction hovers, and a cloud of mischief
Ready tobreak upon us ; no hope left us
That may divert it, but our sleeping virtue.
Roused up by brave Timoleon.
Cleon, When arrives he ?
Diph, He is expected every hour.
Archid, The braveries*
Of Syracusa, among whom my son
llmagoras. Leosthenes, and Asotus,
Your hopeful heir, lord Cleon, two days since
Rode forth to meet him, and attend him to
The city ; every minute we expect
To be bless'd with his presence.
rSAoutj within ; then a Jhurish cf trumpets.
Cleon, What shout's tliis ?
m»n speech, was UMtl ironically to express the exc«as of a
thing.'' Thus, in the Homan Actor :
«• This is no flattery !"
And again, in the City Madam :
" Here's no gross flaiter> ! Will she swaOow tkter*
and in a thousand other places.
• Archid. The braveries
0/Syracusat &c.] i. e. the young nobility, the gay and
fashionable gallants of the citv. Thus Ckrimont, la hb de-
scription of Sir Amorous la rotile, observes that '* he Is fine
of the braveries, though he be none of tbe wits.*' TTk SUent
Woman.
SCENX III.]
THE BONDMAN.
93
Diph. TU BMtmdvd with loud miuii&
Archtd. Wbicb (!otifimift
With til mpect Bol^mnitj* iud pma.pt
A ttum may merit, tlint cornet to Fedeem ua
From 8ltt%***rv and oppr^flstonu
Ci^n. rii Jotk up [Corinih*
My doora, uid guard tnj j^nld ^ tbpft» lada of
iHve nimltle fingitfr', and I fear thc^m moivr,
Being witKiu our wotU, thaa tbofte of Csrfjiiage ;
They Bre far offl
^rcrAni. And, Indif":*!, W it your ctffe
To welcome hun and lu4 fbUoft ers with all duly :
For Tv<t resolved, Uieir tmodt tad a^utdi must
k<»«i you
In that mil Uei^lil of !mpriiue&« jcm lire ;
A dreadful chni^ etm follows.
[ Eieunt Archkhmui, Cietmj and Dqfhtlu$'
Otvmp. We ore imttructed.
(wii. I'll klis him for the honour of mj country,
W itJi nay ahff in Corinth *»
Oiftrnp. Were he a courrier,
I Ve (iweetmcat in my cloBet nhs3l content him.
Be hia palate ne'er lao curioue.
Cori$f. And, if need he, [orchaitl,
I hare « e^iieli «iid ■ benqueHng'house in mj
\Vher« majjy a oiiui of hotiour t baa not acorn d
To »f>eud en afterooon.
Oiifmp, These men of war,
Aa 1 bare heard, know not to court i bdy.
They cannot preise our dre^ainga, kins our hands,
Uaber ua to oar litteo, teU tore-^toritfs.
Commend our hM anfl legs, and *o senrch upwards ;
A sweet b«?comiii^ boUlues^ ! lh#T «re ruuj^h,
Boistproui, jind iriiucy, end Kt ihe'finAt stght
Ruffle and touxeu^t, and,aa tijey £nd their Btonmeha,
Fall roundly to it,
Ceri*. 'Troth, I like them tbe better :
I ain*t endure to hure a fieifunied »ir
Stand ediigin^ in the lianiH, licking his lips
Lilie a spii.iiif>l o\'er u furnieuty-pot, and yet
Ilaa not the boldneaa to come on, or oi'er
Wltet they know we expect.
Olfmpm We may commend
A gentleman 'a fnodescy, xtmmeni, and fine knguage,
Hi:9 aingrirsg, duitcifig, riding of great tiorisejsi,
llie wearinj^ of bi« elolliea, bi^ fair compleiion j
Taki) pre*f«(jt4 from him, and extol \\i^ botjnly ;
Y«!, though he- ohfterre, and wisfce hie «tate upon
g»f,
tlilu iMlkn liJt^nl btj^b mjmm% th« Kbrkdts fur |tiJI>ttJtf;^ ; ■ikI
to ikU Curiaea MUMiln.
/ kmf€ a L'mnt'A ffiitf e tMBit««liiiK'lifiitH fo my ar^h«rd\
M hm BMivy # mfm^mw, &e.i Onr diet |»lit>i nrf lull
of atliAsitHiJi itj tlu'N: t^ritta4imt»f<, ^falirh ■ipiii'^r to 1iav«
bNetfH abukfft tn thv parp.«ei wf debAKlwry. A v<*r> lioinL']y
p»«upr rrofii Bliibtics'i Aiml9mifiifAbtats, 15»u, wiil cuke
aJI tki> ptajm : *■ Ui ibv enbnrbtt ^r tJie firie, ilnr-y fthc wra-
Ki4fti]> lute fordraj crithrr p^li-fl of wnllc^l ruactl «bi)ot very
hkh, vfrb tticir h^j-brnf Rud bovtrtfiff fur iIr- |>nrpc]««: mnd
IrH iljfy iiH^bl be ffpir^ 111 !hr»p a^vb ^Uci?*, Ibrj? MVr Ihclr
hamfmftmtf-hmtMrM wilb g>tl«cii'«, lurrtu, un'l wJi«(
thrFrln lumi^BcmBty rnxi«d i ^bfirli-i ibtfj liuiy, akiil dmibl
l«^ rto, m*ii> irf tbein, play ilrf 6t«i> |»fWB»?' Stc iw,
' and iTiO^iff Atj <iarr uj'om tut,] Everywhere
the modrm fdlton jirlnt Uil" wurd iwlth ibirmnrk of elLtion,
a* If it w«rr cnDlrartl^ri fivifi ff /n/f ; but }t 1« niA Kf>i ffoiir
Ih tti4? KirAQin« wtffrJ^ aiitt Li n^cd by mII imit »trl (.rfwii«Hiid by
M«i^inf^r bJiiiK-lf, In itiitn^> hiiitftrrvd i^^ccf, whiTX' ^v should
n.itt mntr M.mi (pfinl r^ttff. 1 ifiijr intidrritally ubH'rvi: berc,
If he be Staunch *, fuid hid dot for the stock
Tbat we were borji to tm^e with ; th^ truth te,
We cere not for his compmiy.
Cffrk, Muabf, Cleom? [ammgeri ;
Ol^mp. Sbe'a atudymg liow to entertain tbete
And to eogroja them lo herwlf.
Cteffl. No, Jiurely ;
I will not chen^jeu any of their wuren.
Till yoti bare miule your nurket ; you will huyi
I know, at any j^.te.
f urii, She hea giren it you»
Ofttmp. No more ; they come : the first kiss for
iliiii jeweL
Fktttiik if tmmpetM, Enttr TiHACoi? a», LfoffniEvrsp
AMrrui, l'iiioi.a]03i iti itiuck, hd in hvf AncnioAMLH,
DieniLue, and Ci.Eii^, jdhtted b%} FisAhDE.B,
U a AODti LO , C J M Bitio I a rul oihmMy
Jrddd. l! in your aeet ; which, with a gi»nera]
sufragei [Offkring him tA# if4ir t-
Eli*t m^ay trrmi. wliich arr now nwcLwilli ■ itiiirit of #llitnfi.'
tnd iiiip|iirt«^ Ui b^vi.' »ijtli rud *a ni*h]ii*ti^^l% «rv nrally md
tabitaiiljally fwrri-el. In womr t'KHFfi, ibe liaxuD \trrt\ km*
h*tQ cwni|]ltMl Jiitlu n emtiLKtflcBt i^ri of the Windij jind bi
uibten, pi¥prwiii«iBt h»*t WfB «idcd in tli« fifMKfeM of
tvAeriQent. fur thr lake id rniibuuj^i ur inrire ; boi, ^vtiemlly
ipe^kla^, tlw ilmiile terra 1» Uk cum pit t« oue.
* i/tw be vtamirb, ftc] I dfia'i tbiiik ibil ffawAfA rtn
be i«n0e bn Ibb* piM^i^c; me tbuold prulMUy luut «/artfA'il,
Ibat if yr9cim, fm^ni, M- W ***.?»,
TbU m ■ iln^nUr coujtciiine T^t the reader pernec ifBiii
0\^ m jiia'i tk'"Ctipi|ay f wbfL^li It ibdi nf a euinplei^ lentbrtDan ^
4nd tJien *ay f«pbiit thrir li fif ttarrlitfd* foriiji«], ur pre>J*e,
la II r jf^atiAf.% !■ «■ Ktmd « ^unl «i be cuald I iivr cbiMCJi.
niicl I* bene uicril iu iti |irt»p^r *f ni« for nieady* nrm, tnll lif
iiiiegrity : nm\ bi-r rjieiiiiln;^ if^ *' If wUb al^ tbr nt'contidii^J]-
niiiil> pf a fitxk. £i-iul<d^fitjj|it. b« p>Wf^i»fi Ibe fi^v\\ priii^rijijirA
of n rii«ti or boiftHir, ari4 dofi no), aiti iiijit lu 'Jtbmtcb t», be
It iHit [or mar porpote/'^
Wj.rn I lATuU iliU, 1 bttd not i«en Ibr appciidSiif wbirb i*
Mbjiiijiefl tu fufiii- (;iipH'*«$l ibe L4i»t eiiUJi»n. ftlri M- "hia^tm
bn* iben; rrvlikHii bU inilvi aw) kU ifii bi^ m^iTv^ mattirc il onybr*
on Tbe aabji^rt^ ** On ibe (lr«l eimtldf r«tliia of \\t\% |i«Mti|:r,
I did not apprebifiid tbat ib« ^v^l ttatmch could ivapon luiy
meauiaji; ibHi wrndtl* ri-ndrr U Init-LligJible, and I Uicnfore
ar}]«iidr4 lb*- p4#?a{p by rcMltmi Mtarcn*d in^t^n*^ **f Hmiiu-h^
biu I bjive fjiice fiMinii a iimilar acrt^piaiioi) of rbm word In
Jfni^tju'f ^ifmti* omaH. wbcrc TratwH m>« : " If yo«r mif
tTv*9 Ittvt valouFp t^lk ui yonr »w<»nl> and bt fTc'qMFni In tbc
iii^ntioit iif qnnm |p« ibwij^h you bt t^/iw*cA In ftu^btltif^."
TbLa ii one oi ibc i.iMity tui^isnm ihai ni.iy be i^rtHlirctf^l iv
prtive bow ^4^^p(^»ar> li t» ftir ibp editoir c»f any am If til dr*-
niaEi« writer, to rvm i*llb itttL-niSrtiji ti+e other dr4iual{c
priK^eciiouf of tber lU^ie.''
I piirtlcipiite in Mr. M. Miim»*9 •f-lfconfratnlaiioni im (kla
impoitkni diNtfi^y^ry ; 414^1 ^^111 venrori! to tnitgeal anuibf.'r,
Hill more inipvtiant, wbirh appeiira ta have ^ikM bi» nv
iearcb^A ; li U ^|ni|i1y-^**' I be n«ciruiry for ibe editor c^r tttif
andent draniniic wriic-r, to irad with «tietiti<ja"'lltal: drv*
jnatle wH'er biiindr.
itnt «hai, after rill, dmi Mr. M. Mmfon imagioe b^ lia>
fouwl oaH aiHl nbiil k Uic »«n«e be wtmbl liiuilly alfiji to
Mtaunch f tbcv arc tHne» br but umittni lo m^riii^^n- I <4d
diKsMfer Doihin^ from Ui* bmii ooit, but tbat be mijiinder-
tund« JoiifeciD iitiw, a» br iidi^undtr^tivvl lA^^\\i%et b4.Tutr.
Encb of Wvtm freat pinia n*et tin- word in it» proiwr and
ord)j|Jir>' %iKtiinti *'TboU|;h you tn- wtmam^h iu fiKbtinti^'^ <^*yi
Tnacwii, (L «, reaUy braie, ancl rj>iiK'f|neniiy »«« proue lo
haaatiinjj " yct^ to ple^ie your jni^trMij yoa iiinit taJIt of
yifflar twotiJ/' H^,
t f^f^rinff kSm tbe itatej fA* ttai* w»i • ratwd plAtftifflfli
on wbicb w«* iitacfd ]i tbaJr wlib a canopy ovpr it. Thi-
tionl occurs pcfpetumUy in onr obi urrilerK li i> a perl by
Dry drn, bnt fcirni* tu Un'vv b«ii growiof obwlHe wbib: be
waj wriiioit^ in tli« tirrt eilitjon of Mdcr FJefiin«>, ibe mo-
narfh U pTacwl on a tfttff i In tbe ifib^pqaeiit om*, be i»
•eafvd, like bit Miuw kioft, on a ibtoflif^ it t>ccujr» altotand
I bdievc for tbe la#t Ibiii:, in Swift : "At tlu- aft^ettd not
the unn-ileor of a «^«l# wiih n canopy, ihr tiitm|>bt ibere wat
iKi otlfPCf in HM vibow chair/' ifiwL i\f Jahn UalU t< i^
' nmgi^bTite, Sicily tenders*,
Tv> accept*
To muv uiitl>iLiuu:» ol rule f or liUe«,
\Vttos«> henv^n on t'ttrih h placed in liia commnnd.
And nbsolute |>owftroW otjji'rs. would wirli joy.
And venja swollen lii^li witti pride, be etitertalnM.
1 hey Like not niw ; for I Jmve vv¥T lortK^
Aq i?<mkd fietdum, iind prcx'lnmi'd nil such
A* would usurp on oiher'a lilwtrties^,
I(cb<?ls to utilure. to wbo»»* bount«oui hlftasing*
Ail men lay ihvu jis tnje leettifniite (^on* :
iJiit such iw huvf mnde forfeit of th<*ni!»e!rcs
Hv vicious couraps, and their birlhrisjhl loHt»
**l*ia ucit iniu^rictr I hey «re niark'd for alavei*
To si^TTv u>e rirtuoui. For myself, I know
llauuurs imd |f^n*at erajdoyments are g;Teat burlUens,
And niU8t require an AiUii to sup^jort ibcm*
He ibiit would n^oveni other?;, iirat should be
The mn.^er of hiniAetf^ richly endued
With depth of utidfirrstiindui^, height of ^iiira|yf«.
And those remarknblo graces which 1 dan not
Asrnhe unlo myself*
Archid. Sifj empty m^n
Are trumpets of their own deserls ; but you.
That are not in opinion, but iti proof.
Really rood, and full of glorious parts,
Leave liie report of what you are to hme ;
Whicht Irom the ready toiiguvsj of all jood men.
Aloud proclaim H you.
Diph. Besides, ynu stand hound,
Hnvinje: »o large a field to exercise
> our active virtupa offer'd ynu, to impart
Your ${irength to inch as need it*
TimM, 'Tis confessM :
And, since yuu'il have it so, guch ii* I iiiiii»
For you, and for tJie liberty of (ireece,
I am moat ready to lay down my life :
But yH consider, m»:*a of Syracusa,
liefor^ that jou deliver up the power.
Which yi*t is yours» to mo, — to whom *tis gireii *
To an impnrtiiil mnn, with whom nor threats.
Nor iirayers, shall prevail § ; for I must steer
An even course,
A f chid. Which is desired of all.
Tim(*t-. Timophanej*, my brother, for whose dentil
I am tainted in the world ||, and foully taintoil ;
[ri whoiw remetnbTance I have e?er worn.
In |»race and war, tbij livery of aorrow.
Can w*itne39 for me, how much 1 detest
Tyrannotw usurpation ; with grrief
I must remember it : for, when no yiersuaaion
Could win him to desist from lua bad practice,
To change the arii^tocracy of Corinth
Into an abr^olute monarchy. 1 chose rfttlmr
To prove a pious and obedient aou
To my country, my bent mother*, Ihitn to lend
Aasi^tance to Timophanca, though mv brother,
That, like a tyrant^ strove to aet his foot
Upon the city's fr«*etlom.
Timag, *Tt\-arti a deeil
Deserving niiher trophies than reproof*.
f Lfpst. And will be j^tilt r«m«^mber«d toyourboiioar*
If you for^ke not uv
Dipfi. If you free Sicily
From barbarona C»rthage' yoke,1 ^twill be said.
In him you slew a t)'rant.
A r chid. But, giving' wny
To her invasion, not voocksafing u«*
That fly to your protection, aid and comfort,
'Twill be believed, tliat» for your private imds,
^'ou kill'd a brother,
Titnd. A* I then proceed,
To all poMteriiy may that act be crowD*d
With a deserved applause, or branded wtth
71ie mark of infamy ! — Stay yet ; ere I tnlt*
Tins seat of justice, or engaf^p mv*f'lf
To fight for you abroad, or to reform
'^'our state at home, swear all upon my a word,
And call the j^ods of Sicily to witnesa
The ontb vou take, that whatsoe'er 1 shaD
Propound for i^afety of your common weullh^
tb« iilil rif(iU'> li»%« fttrr/y. Thr viueadwtioD, wjtich U a very
liippy «m', w»» ni«(tv hy Ct^\f^v^r,
Tit tm* amhitiAu* ^ ruU^ dtc*] MuMiof (*r hM h#r« fitu'ly
rtrftwa ilic diai^itf i^r Iff TioioWtifl, nnit \utvn viry inn? tn his-
Imry. Hi- wntdnccmlMl frnm oh* cif [be noUlvst fiiiMilkd in
Coritith, btvetl his country p.iaaionatilv, a«mI iliM-fn iivtl u|K»t
all offufclon* B t\n<i\iUt llnmnuh) of ttniiprr, excepi )i|;aioer
tyntUt Mini hnA on-n. ftt- was no, vxcrllnu CJiplNin ; mut a*
in hh >4«iirh in* liud nil the inqiurily of Uj^r, ii> agi- tn- iinil all
ll#r niv Aiirt rouMiEe of itir om>%I .^nlrMl yt.Mith* Cotrraa,
1 4t VHiufd ttmtfp oh oiln-t"» fUirrtirM] So ihc hrti iiimnu;
(hv iM-vot)(1, i^hicli Ihr mttflini editor* fotluw', h««. nwtfhrr't
l\bier\W%. Ill liic pn'ordioij lUu-, (*•♦ jtrnt^taSm'd, M*. M,
Miuofj DfhiirAriiy ii<a*U, prm^htim: uri iitjiuliciMH* nluritltoii.
i Xnfr f'i'nirrg .[inil pTtVUXl :] AVrr. wilidi lllc ItHXlctlfl
Hiror* rtii ri urur •//(}//, It nt^JLhtr rt-qiiiri^d by
ttitr »i-iiii» I {Omttuil |i» t^l. I8t3.)
i' ^Ap *r'«rW, (Vr,( Tiiiioli-on hml «D tliltfi hr«'
lilt r >pU.inr», vilitiRi Ivc ttfodf-ily lo^cd. n» tir Ii4«l
«!'"" ^ < biUl«', \%\ wbl»l» lit oi'icrt'it tmn with hi*
*,ivii| ill* Wtv iir ihr urrwl ilAo^rr of t)j§ owi>; tmr
y wii* »iiU (b .irtr M liim. Thui l>rut!ir» ImviiiR
I If »)r*ai i>f if, •*! bli4clc n criinv biiv« bitn the
4t4i>K>L Atnicliitn- Hr fnAtJ« u»r of ntt fKi*»iMe mr«iie tfi
bring lilm iMck lu hi* linty ; klndnr'Si fiicmialiip, aacclioot
remunstrancrfi, aad even mrnac^. But, fladlng all bit ra-
deavatim iiiefrcciniil, And IhnI uutliiai; c**\A»\ fitvvxlt Np»ii a
liMtft #baDdi)ine[l lo ambitioti, he rflu
KiM'i'iDiiti.d ill hi* prcsvijc^* [tio , H*>t
ii-r lilt trit-^tiili Aud intitimref, nixt lli>' .'
iitea>t>>u, the Ihhj* of aiiuiix' ouglil iu ^ivt pbct lu liiL'M .ji
hi* coMtdrv. Cn^i.Tia.
Covrtt-r tins copteil ^kth tafTictfat accwftcv, %\\v T. idin:
Inula faf Tiimi|euii'» rhnr<iclrr, fnan Ihr '<
rittUrcli't A<W4* With FUiUfch* imiced, 1
It* be H frtvortrilfj 4ivd ohI Hiidr»*"rvi itK \ \
ifira, he w<i« ciniiiciilly cmif picti'irti : i'
evi-r, U, that he pmaiecl tty i: x fieri* «i
and Mvnu^t' t>otloi»u«in ofhU vonih '
mul rittionnl love ul lil>rtl)', Tlic i'-
whicli m%i henfiyi tm hi§ lurul, Mii-
vtioidd ikol oul>" (il IK riiilaichult
UmUlite lin il»i If* bfil Ihe priiujjde Inuu wiucU n ^a ^ix c«4*, j
firm «ad Imifioveiiibii ; in oidtr ihat uar couilHct may Im«i>' |
till* tjirvciiofi uf our own » p prolyl ion. '
- It Ik uii|Mi»iiblc In ir»d « piUKV tif >>
^ct'tii!; tliKi priidi^nrt^ wma thr virtat" ' >
tui ii*ior : pro*lii:i«n ,ind purifiit* «
Oirnlf ; part oi i^ like It tir iiiidoabtrdl) i.tti
whlrli *if Uh4 I lie t1r«leriiy lt> turn lo M* «<
not onl> ittdchlrU lo prctklencc for tiiiiic,
hI»**\ since* «Ui-ii ho hjid f^ir^n vii-tor> 40^1 i^^c
S>racutiiaii, tie \*iMl> »1rillti*'il femriOHc to Cn-*-**.
pr()«>errptfoti or dt jiiiti pn^buibly dw^Kt'd liiiii : nuti <-<h<
tpiMid th<! reinaiadir of hi» (U\» nt Syr-irfi**'. Thuaa^jl
v^i'ie Ion(£ Mild hapm , *i»l whin h« dinl he wa» hoar^
wttb a pablic fntitTMi, jitul the leiui uf 4 pei>|ite whom I
«avtil.
• 7o wiy country, my te*! moitii r,1 In (his txpuftivn^
Tlit^oleoo iillnelr* to the r«*ndncl of hi* n«ttiral inmhrr, tibo I
wonlit itf\cf lev 1dm MflTr thv iuiM«»iii»ili*>H of hi* UitidMtf |
Jiod Hln>i«>« e^tjr d \i\>n frulrh'idam, impium^fue,
AVinn httrtHtrmtJf Cttrthaar' ^uke, Ac,1 Thi* ^
frprirli iMr IktrmUy fmio rJiiurcb ; Maamiic<'[ '
niMnnec ndbcrcd aiorv cli»w ly in hi^ «bjry tb^n v
crmfv*9 the truth, it cannot hv *4ii4 of bt#n,lltAt bit ltkt«M^ J
j pUy* are ** rnoic 4ntbentic tban the chrutiicica I**
Scene 111.]
THE BONDMAN.
95
Not circumscribed or bound in, BhaU by yon
Be willingly obey'd.
Arch'uL Dipfu Clean, 80 may we prosper.
As we obey in all tbinfj^.
Timag. Leott, A tot. And observe
AH your commands as oracles !
TimoL Do not repent it. [Teilces the ttate,
Olump. He ask'd not oar consent.
Coris. He's a clown I warrant him.
Olifmp, I offer'd myself twice, and yet the churl
Would not salute me.
Ccris. Let him kiss his dmm !
I'll save mv lips, I rest on it*.
Olifmp, He thinks women
Xo part of the republic.
Corig, He shall 6nd
We are a commonwealth.
Cleo. The less your honour.
TimoL First then a word or two, but without bit-
terness. I
(And yet mistake me not, I am no flatterer.)
f 'on< emins^ your ill government of the state ;
In which the greatest, noblest, and most rich,
Stand, in the first file gnilty.
Cieon. Ha ! how's this ?
TimoL You have not, as good patrioU ahoiild do,
studied
The public good, but your particular ends ;
Factious among yourselves, prefiuring such
To ofilces and honours, as ne'er read
The elements of saving policy ;
But deeply skill'd in all the principles
That usher to destniotioo.
I.tott. Sharp.
Timag, The better.
TimoL Your senate-house, which used not to ad-
A man, howerer^>pular, to stand [mit
At the'helm of government, whose youth was not
Made ^orioas by action ; whose experience, [sels,
Crown d with gray hairs, gave warrant to his coun-
Heafd and received with reverence, is now fiU'd
With green heads, that determine of the state
Over their cups, or when their sated lusts
Afford them leisure ; or supplied by those
Who, rising from base arte and sordid thrift,^
Are eminent for theirf wealth not for their wisdom :
Which is the reason that to hold a place
In council, which was once esteem'd an honour.
And a reward (or virtue, hath quite lost
Lustre and reputation, and is made
A mercenary purchase.
Timag, He speaks home.
Lemt. And to the purpose.
Timol, From whence proceeds
That the treasure of the city is engross'd
By a few private men, the public coffers
Hollow with want ; and they, that will not spare
One talent for the common good, to feed
The pride and bravery of their wives, consume.
* rii tare mjr lipt, I rvtt on It.] I am fixed, determined,
00 it; « metaphor taken fh>m play, inhere the hi}ihe*t stake
the parties were di^Kiaed to ventare, was called the rett.
To appropriate thia term to any particular game, a* is some
limes done, is extremely incorrect ; since it was anciently
applied to cards, to dice, to bowls, in short to any amuse-
ment of chance, where money was wagered, or, to n»c a
phraw of the times, set np.
f Are eminent for their wealih, noifor their wUdom :] I
have inserted their from the invalnaUc first quarto: it
strengthens aad eompleies the verse.
In plate, and jewels, and superfluous slaves,
What would maintain an army.
Coris. Have at um !
Oljfmp. We thought we were forgot.
Clio. But it appears
You will be treated of.
TimoL Yet, in this plenty,
And fat of peace, your young men ne*er were train'd
In martial discipline ; and your ships unrigg'd.
Rot in the harbour : no defence prepared.
But thought unuseful ; as if that the gods,
Indulgent to your sloth, had granted yon
A perpetuity of pride and pleasure.
No change fear'd or expected. Now vou find
That Carthage, looking on your stupid sleeps.
And dull security, was invited to
Invade your territories.
Arehid. You have made us see, sir,
To our shame, the country's sickness : now, from you,
As from a carefiil and a wise physician,
We do expect the cure.'
Timol. Old fester'd sores
Must be lanced to the quick, and cauterized :
Which bom with patience, after I'll apply
Soft unguents. For the maintenance of the war,
It is decreed all monies in the band
Of private men, shall instantly be brought
To the public treasury.
Timag. This bites sore.
Cleorit The cure
Is worse than the disease ; I'll never yield to't :
What could the enemy, though victorious,
Infl ct more on us ? All that my youth hath toil'd for,
Purchased with industry, and preserved with care.
Forced from me in a moment !
Diph, This rough course
Will never be allow 'd of.
Timol O blind men !
If you refuse the first means that is offer'd
To give you health, no hope's left to recover
Your desperate sickness. Do you prize your muck
Above your liberties ; and rather choose
To be made bondmen, than to part with that
To which already you are slaves ? Or can it
Be probable in your flattering apprehensions,
You can capitulate with the conqueror.
And keep that yours which they come to possess.
And, while you kneel in vain, will ravish from you ?
— But take your own ways ; brood upon your gold,
Sacrifice to your idol, and preserve
The prey entire, and merit the report
Of careful stewards ; yield a just account
To your proud masters, who, with whips of iron.
Will force you to give up what vou conceal.
Or tear it from your throats : adorn your walla
With Persian hangings wrought of gold and pearl ;
Cover the floors on which they are to tread,
With costly Median silks ; perfume the rooms
With cassia and amber, where they are
To feast and revel ; while, like servile grooms.
You wait upon their trenchers ; feed their eyes
With massy plate, until your cupboards crack
With the weight that they sustain ; set forth your
And daughters in as many varied shapes [wives
As there are nations to provoke their lusts.
And let them be embraced before your eyes.
The object may content you ! and to perfect
Their entertainment, offer up your sons.
And able n^en, for slaves ; while you, that are
Unfit for labour, are spum'd out to starve.
96
THE BONDMAN.
fArr iJ
Uiipjric»«t, in some tlp»ert, no fripnd by,
Wliu^o Hurrow mny §]i(iTe one corapa&aioiiate %B»f,
In tl)e rfnit^iiilininri^ of what otice you wer&
7 imng. OhstTve how ohi Cleoo aliiik«»t,
A« if iij pi it u 1*0 he Uad sliwnn him wJmt
He wa* to itufTer.
CtfHi. I am nick ; th^ mna
BprakH poniards and diifsea^ies.
Ohmp. O my doctor I
I nevvT shall rpcovpr.
C&ru [anninffftrrtmrflJ] ff a virjj^in,
Whose speech wii!t f?vpr yet usher'd with fear ;
One knowiujy mixlenly nnd htimhie silence
I'o hi* thf choie**iH(T ornnnu'nt^ of our B4»x,
In thi* presHm'e of so nmnv reverend men
Struck dumb with terror ami ax-tiniishment,
Pl^siimii^ to clothe laer tliought in vocal sounds.
Let ht'r fiml pitfddn. Firsi tn you, g^rt^at sir,
A bunhful raaid'^ thnnki^.Tind \wr zedouii |irHvera
Wint^M with pure innorence, beiinng them to heaven.
For all proaji-eritv that the gods can pre
To nne w hose piVty must exact their care,^
Thus low I offi r.
TitttoL ' rii* a happy omen,
Riae, blosl one» and spRak boldly* On my virtue,
I nm ihy viamint, from so clear a ipriiig
Sw't?!*! rivprs pvi*r flow,
Ctfru TIa*n» thus to vou»
My noble father, and tbese lords, to whom
I next ow*» duty : no rf*s[»pct forgotten
To yoti, my brother, and tht*.**" bold youn^ men,
(Such I w'ouhl hint* them,) tbiH nrp, or sliould bo,
The city's Hword nnd tJinreT of deli^nce.
To nil of you I »[>eQW ; and, if n bhish
Steal on ujv chet^ks, it is ^hrmn to rt'iirore
Your paleness, williuply I wrmld not wav,
Your cowardict> or ftar : TJiuik you all trtm^ure
Hid in the iHnvcdn of tlie «?«rlh, of shipwreck 'd
In Ncptuue'i* wtu'ry kingdom, cim bold w<?ight,
Wben liberty rmd honejur fill one achle,
IViuniphant Justice mtiin^ on ih«* b«amt
Or dare you but iiuAgine that your gold ia
Too dear a salary for such as haxani
Their blood and lives in your defence T For me.
An Tirnorant ^irt^ ht^r witness, heaven! so fur
1 prism a soldier, that, to j^ive him pay,
With such detrotion as our tirtni«D8 ofier
Their sacrifices nt ilie holv ultur,
I do lay down iJiese jewi*ls, will make sate
Of my superfluous wardroUi% to supply
I he meanest of their wants. [jAi^it dtuvn her Jfnieft*
TimoL Brave masculine spirit !
Difilt. We are shown, to our shame ^ what we tn
Shouhl have taught oibers^ [bonour
Arrhiti, Such a fair example
Must needi he foUow'd,
Timag. Ever my dear sister,
But now our family's glory !
Ltftit, Were she deform *d,
Tli« virtues of her mind would force a Stoic
To suti to be her servant,
Cietm, I mun yieUi ;
And, ihouf^b my heart -blood port with it, I will
DiOiver in my wealth.
Amt. I would ii^y somethin}^ ;
But. the tnitli is, J know not what,
TisntiL VV'e have money ;
And men roust now be thought oil
Archid, We cna prf»a
Of l»ihonrer<i in the country, men inured
To rc>M iitid heat, ten thousand.
Pifth, Or, if need be.
Enrol our slaves, lusty and able varleta.
And fit for service,
Ci4Hm, Jljey ahal! po for nie j
I witl not pay and fiKhtioa.
C'lt0, How ! ymn slaves ?
stain of honour !^ — Once more, sir, your pafdoo ',
And, III thpir shumes, let me deliver wliat
1 kjinw in justice you may speak.
TimnL Most glndlf :
I euuld not wish my thoughts a better orgma
Than your tongue, to expreea them,
Cietu Are yon men !
(For aipemuy qualify, though Dot excuAe^
The backwardness of the&e,) able )^ung men !
\'et, now your country's liberty** at the stuki*.
llonouc nod glorious triumith mnde the garland*
For tiuch an dare deserve tliem ; a rich feast
Prepared by Victory, of immortal viands,
N'ot for base men. but such aet with their swurds
Dare force admittance, and will be hei grieats :
And Clin you coldly siuffer such rewards
To h*^ propoMni to Inbourem and slaves'!
\\ bile you, tlmt are bom noble, to whom tli^e,
\'olued at their best mte, are next to horaea.
Or other beasts of carriage, cry aim f I
* »/, now pimr cottntrp''M tibert^t at the sfaif,
Hantmr tmd gturiou* trt»nti*h mmie thr ytirlnrtd ^ tf t.
M, ^liiAuji lijm iiKjjinrv't'd \i\vu- Wuv*, lit Ii49 i«|iiiKefH^ t»> uffi<kr»
tin^ the rtificlt' in ih** fir.t, *tH\ cltiHiittnt^ the In the Mrrufiit*
JhtM 4« Thvme arv vcr) >ir3<ni;«- litHriiri to l«ke wtUi sn
QUttioi, mpot] tnpiicf, ur tiliiid conjecture.
f U hiif ^im — -cry »tin t
IJi/e iditt lovkrrB ofi, C«»teter» who «^em» oot In li«w
%mf\rtrUm6 ihe t kprvtstoh, giive ihif IncMmci rr«di»if of the
•erund qu«rto, crfft Ay w^! wlikh, nfier nil, « > '
more rhnn qin nccldfikril di^iMmrliiifi of Ihr ln«t Vt' •
Ml Ihr (irtM, Mr. M. ^t**iiri f.pllMWs him \n ih
ob»en't'», ill ji tuiirt liiiU wr »h'nilil tvmi cry trrm.
wa ^^fn\\i^ ut ir , Muit aat i% i« di>tinil9} given iti Ihr fti
brit cii|ty. The fTspr^wiou \m ••> fonnPM»n lu th*- ms'
MMviiiKcr'^A fiine, Jiitii, liidinf. i*i l^t •
i(^ iliau mU lo jMy how it iimld •vrt
j^lirn^r, ii* Wnrhiirtoii *.>ii»i'r*i'*, \fi
A<c\ J I. 84t. iii. wn» Inkcii innH urcln • v ;
i-|i,illL-iiiii-il Aitulher In »lioo( a\ lit*' hiiO*, tl"
Itt M> »me lu IIh' Mthcr, Cry oiiw, i. iv nctn
*Slct'ven» rpjecit ihl« f\pl»natioii, iwhkti, ui i.i. f, n i»
irnth m*r pmhiihilit) to rccuiiiMHjuiJ ii ; Hfid ^iW^ : " U •c*ji«
!•♦ hrtve tH-cii ihc uiriief of tbe aim-cryrT^ In -jtv.- \***t^*^m '"***,'
archrr wttrM lir wmc wilhiii a pnn>*'r dUlii
Ate, Hi'if ttdn nciilf crihc hni» MUeii, i^ i
coi amen till I »r PI, In 1 11 itn irrnr. Mimt tt^r *•> ir
Mud nut I'T^ «}iiM, wjs Mlw4y* jidilnr«*«^il l-^ M" v
til «hool : It wa* Mil hMtUlno (jvct^injiijou i^f tht- i
or, u» M«!ii»in|t4<r hiu lt» of the idle toftk^r' nn, u
hit «MCwiir4ui'k"<^ni< ''"^ ''>«J mbliikc ot i^u <
hh cotiltHiiidiii|£ cry tiim ' v(\ii\ }jij>e aim.
lnvr Bilit'Jtdy tdwqr^cd. wJi* lu KNiotm&i:!
to L>isi>:i'T, «iid In ihrw dUtlticI «tid (i|»|'> '
Word* peifH timlly occur* There wtt iio «'
iTjjur, nt i«**ci (eel ittntvc ; the ttfinifif^t of rti<
llh^iHhmt^<t Ut such of the •pecliilor* n« th»>M- ii< i ■
tliMt of ufifTClinw, iudi-eit, ll»rre w«» a *peci.il ^K!■f♦^'•'
Tlioce wlsti ctlril ttim ' *t*Hid hy ihc mrcht r* ; he v<.
wai itMhoiml tieur the htil|«^'<ind pointful out mi*! *^^^^
ii\>fhn*\iv, how vtikW, or how MjoiI, Ihr »fnfW IVU ul Itof
murk. A f^i* e^nmplet will m^ikc hU ihi* vWrtr:
" It ill tHcomc* ihis (»r«'*riirt lo crj aimt
Tothr#e ill Inuetl rrpet(lioii»,*' KtmfJtkm*
I. c. If* eiicuoriKe^
•• iVvlore \m frirr ploltlni* hi« i^vrn ibti-e.
To whirli liitii%dl */*r*^ <if»» .
Whilv the brwiifl wrrow with ihf forkwl ttead,
MiMci bii tirvw* tmi tmrntwly."
A A/ad tiortd mp Mt^uttm
I e« ill reel*.
SckMsIlL]
THE BONDMAN.
97
Like idk lodhan on, tffl tlMir proud worth
Make them heeooM your mestert I
TimoL By mv hopes.
There's fire ana spirit enough in this to mske
Tbersites Tslitnt
CIm. No ; (sr, fiur he it from jou :
Let these of mesner quality contend
Who can eodnre most labour ; plonrh the earth.
And think they are'rewarded when tiieir sweat
Brinn home a froitf ul hanrest to their lords ;
Let tbem prore good artificers, and aenre yon
For use and ornament, hat not pre«ame
To touch at what is noble. If you think them
Unworthy to taste of thoee cates you feed on.
Or wear such costly garmenU, will you ^nrant them
The privilege and prerogative of great mmds.
Which yon were bom to? Honour won in war,
And to be styled presenrers of their country.
Are titles fit for nee end generous spirits.
And not finr bondmen : had I been bom a man.
And such ne'er-dying glories made the prise
To hold heroic courage, by JDiana,
I would not to my brother, nay, my ftther,
Be bribed to part with the least piece of honour
I should gain in this action !
TmtL Bhe's innnred.
Or in her speaks the genius of your country.
To fire your Uood in her defence ; I am rapt
With tM imagination. Noble msid,
Timoleon it your soldier, and will sweat
Drops of his best blood, but he will brmg home
Triumphant conouest to you. Let me wear
Your colours, ItAj ; snd though youthful heats *,
That look no further than your outward form.
Are long since buried in me, while I lire,
I am a constant lover of your mind,
Thnt does transcend sll precedents.
Cko. TiM sn honour.
And so I do receive iL
CcriM. Plsgue upon ii !
She has got Uie start of us:
With envT at her fortane.
[GiMi h§r scarf.
I could even bunit
I
To the ▼keroy't base embraces, and cryaim I
The
While be by fMce," &c
Remgado,
Tbb way I toll io vain, and give bat aim
To infkmy and rain ; he win f4ll,
My bicMing cannot aUy him." The RoarUtg Girl.
i. e. diract theeJ^
*■ — Standyng rather In hb window to~crye aiime! than
belpync any waye to part the fTaye."
Feoton'a TVagitai Diaeowwts.
L e. to tocoarage.
** I myaelr^aw aim thns,— Wide, roar bows ! short, tbrve
•QdnhaU:'' Middletoe's J^oniak Cnwir.
L •. dbvcted.
I aboeid apolofiie ft»r the length of this note, were it not
BC I lacier myaelf the distinct and appropriate meaning of
•ae two phraaes to ascerulned in it, and finally esUbUshed.
• iMmtwrnar
Y9m ealmra. Imim: and thotigh yovthfbl heats,
Thai laoft mo^artkir tkmm gtmr omiwardfonm.
Art Im^ tbtet buried In me, wkUt t Hoe,
/ am, *c] TUs to evidently copied from that orach con-
tested speech or Othello, Act 1. sc UL : «' I therefore be^ it
not," *c., as In the ftiUowing passage, in The Fair Maid t^
" Shall we take oer fortmief and while oar cold fathers,
la whom kmg sioco their pomH^ heata were dead.
Talk mneh of Man, serve nndcr Venas' ensigns.
And seek a mtalreaa r
AsmI as this shows how Sbakapeare's contemporaries ander-
stood the Usee, U shoold, I think, with as, be dectoive of
ihok B.eaalng. The Od reading, with the alteration of one
• rby-- - ■
I I 1. c.
I I M
Olymp. A raw young thing ! [bands say, —
We have too much tongue sometimes, our hus-
And she outstrip us !
Leoit. I am for the journey.
Timag, May all diseases s'loth and letchery bring.
Fall upon him that stays at home !
Ardud. Though old,
I will be there in person.
DtpA. Sowilll.-
Methiaks I am not what I was ; her words
Have made me younger, by a score of years,
llian I was when I came hither.
Clean, 1 am still
Old Cleon, (at and unwieldy ; I shall never
Make a good soldier, and therefore desire
To be excused at home.
AmoL *Tia my suit too :
1 am a gristle, and these spider fingers
Will never bold a sword. Let us alone
To rule the slaves at home ; 1 can so yerk them-—
But in my conscience I shall never prove
Good justice in the war.
Tiniol. Have your desires ;
You would be burthens to us, no way aids.
Lead, fairest, to the temple ; first we^ll pay
A sacrifice to the gods for good success :
For all great actions the wish'd course do nm.
That are, with their allowance, well begun.
[Eieuntall but Piian. Grac, and Cimb,
PUan, Stay, Cimbrio and Gracculo.
Cimb, The business ?
PUan, Meet me to-morrow nip^ht
Neighbouring the east part of the city.
Grae, Well.
Pifan. And bring the rest of our condition^with
IVe something to impart may break our fetters.
If you dare second me.
Ctmi. We'll not fiul.
Grac. A cart-rope
Shall not bind me at home.
Puan, Think on't, and prosper. [Exeunt,
[grove,
near to the
[you:
-I therefore beg il not
To please the palate of my appetite ;
Nor to comply with heat, the yoang affects
In me defanct, and pruper satisfaction," Ike
The admirers of 8hakapcare cannot but recollect with
dismay, the prodigious msM of nonjectaral criticism which
Steevens has accamulaied on this passage, as well as the
melanclioly presage with which it terminates; that, after all,
" it will probably prove a latling sonrce of doobt and con-
troversy/' I confess I see little occasion for either; nor can
I well conceive why, after the rational and anforcetl expla-
nation of Johnson, the worthleM rvveiiesof Theobald, Toilet,
ice, were admitted.— it^ecfa occur inccMantly in the lenre
of passions, affections : goung ajfecte is therefore perfectly
synonimons with gout^/ut heate. Oibello, lilie Timoleou,
was not an old man, though he had lost the fire of youth ; the
critics might therefore have dismiued that concern for the
Udy, which they have so delicately communicated for the
edification of the rising generation.
I have said thus much on the subject, because 1 observe,
that the numeroas editions of Shakspeare now preparing, lay
claim to patronage on the score of religiously following the
text of Stcrvrns. I am not prepared to deny that this is the
best which has hitherto appeared ; though I have no difficulty
ill affirming that those will deserve well of the public, who
shall bring back some readings which he has discarded, and
reject othf ra which he ban adopted. In the present instance,
for example, his text, besides being nnwarranted, and totally
foreign from tlie meaning of his aathor, can scarcely be
reconciled either to grammar or sense.
I would wish tiie future editors of Shakspeare to coasldrr,
whether he might not have given effect in tha singular (this
also is used for passion), to correspond with heat ; and theu
the lines may be thus regulated :
" Nor to comply with heat, (the joang affect's
In me deftonct,) and proper saUsfacuon.''
H
98
THE BONDMAN.
[Act IL
ACT II.
SCENE I. — The same, A Room in Archidamus^s
House.
Enter Archidamus, Timaooras, Leosthenes, tcith
gorgets ; and Pisander.
Archid, So, so, 'tis well : how do I look ?
Pisan, Most sprightfully. [Vm old
Archid. I shrink not in the shoulders ; though
I'm tough, steel to the back ; I have not wasted
My stock of strength in featherbeds : here's an arm
too;
There's stuff in't, and I hope will use a sword
As well as any beardless boy of you all.
Timag. I'm glad to see you, sir, so well prepared
To endure the travail of the war.
Archid. Go to, sirrah !
I shall endure, when some of you keep your cabins,
For all your flaunting feathers ; nay, Leosthenes,
You are welcome too •, all friends and fellows now.
Leost. Your servant, sir.
Archid. Pish ! leave these compliments.
They stink in a soldier's mouth ; 1 could be merry.
For, now my gown's off, farewell gravit}'t !
And must be bold to put a question to you,
Without offence, 1 hope.
Leost. Sir, what you please.
Archid. And you will answer truly?
Timag. On our words, sir.
Archid. Go to, then ; I presume you will confess
That you are two notorious whoremasters ;
Nay, spare your blushing, I've bfen wild myself,
A smack or so for physic does no harm ;
Nay, it is physic, if used moderately :
But to lie at rack and manger
Leost. Say we grant this.
For if we should deny't, you'll not believe us.
What will you infer upon it ?
Archid. What you'll groan for, [us,
I fear, when you come to the test. Old stories teli
There's a month call'd October |, which brings in
Cold weather ; there are trenches too, 'tis rumour'd.
In which to stand all night to the knees in water.
In gallants breeds the toothach ; there's a sport too.
Named lying pe due, do you mark me ! 'tis n game
Which you must learn to play at ; now in these
And choice variety of exercises, [seasons.
-nay, iyfoathmest
You are welcome too, 4cc.] It sbuuUl be remembered that
ArchidamM U, with great jii(*^ment, repre»erited iu the
first scene, m avcnw to the marriage of Leosthenes with his
daughter.
t J''or, now my govm's off, farewell gravity /] This is said
to have been a frequent expression with the gicat but play-
ful Sir Thomas More, who was never so happy as when he
shook off the pomp of office. Fuller tells a sijnilar siory of
Ix>rd Burleigh.
X Old ttoriee tell m.
There's a month called October, Ac] This pleasant old
man forgets he Is talking of Sicily, where October is the
most lelightfui month of the year. All our old poets loved
and tbonght only of their country. Whatever region was
the subject, England was the real theme : their habits, cus-
toms, peculiarities, were all derived from thence. This,
tbongh it must condemn them as historians, may save them
as patriots! and, indeed, it is not much to be regretted that
they shonkl overlook manners, with which they were very
imperfectly acquainted, in favour of those with whli*h they
were hourly conversant— at least, it would be uoj^rateful in
us, who profit so much by their minute descriptions, to be
offended at their disregard of what are quaintly called the
costumL
(Nay, I come to yon,) and fasts, not for devodon.
Your rambling hunt-smock feels strange alteratioDs;
And in a frosty morning looks as if
He could with ease creep in a pottle-pot.
Instead of his mistress' placket. - Then he curaes
The time he spent in midnight visitations ;
And finds what he superfluously parted with.
To be reported good at length, and well breadi'd*.
If but retrieved into his back again t,
Would keep him warmer than a scaiiet waistcoat.
Enter Difhilxtb and Cleoba.
Or an armour lined with fur — O welcome ! wel-
come!
You have cut off my disooorse; but I wiU perfect
My lecture in the camp.
Diph. Come, we are stay'd for ;
The general's afire for a remove.
And longs to be in action.
Archid. 'Tis my wish too.
We must ptirt — nay, no tears, my best Cleoim ;
I shall melt too, and that were ominous.
Millions of blessings on thee ! All that's mine
I give up to thy charge ; and, sirrah, look
{To Pisamder.
You with that care and reverence observe her,
Which you would pay to me. A kiss; (areweU,
Diph. Peace wait upon yon, fair one!
\^Exeunt Archidamus, Diphiha, and Pimuider.
Timag. 'Twere impertinence
To wish you to be careful of your honour.
That ever keep in pay a guard about you
Of faithful virtues. Farewell : friend, I leave you
To wipe our kisses off; I know that lovers
Part with more circumstance and ceremony ;
Which I give way to. [£nL
Leost. 'Tis a noble favour.
For which I ever owe you. We are alone ;
But how I should begin, or in what language
Speak the unwilling word of parting finnn you,
I am yet to learn.
Cleo. And still continue ignorant ;
For I must be most cruel to myself.
If I should teach you.
Leost. Yet it must be spoken.
Or you will chide my slackness. You have fired ma
With the heat of noble action to deserve you ;
And the least spark of honour that took life
From your sweet breath, still fann'd by it and
Must mount up in a glorious flame, or I [cberish'd.
Am much unwortliy.
Cleo. May it not bum here.
And, as a seamark, serve to guide true lorera,
Toss'd on the ocean of luxurious wishes.
Safe from tlie rocks of lust, into the harbour
Of pure affection 1 rising up an example
* Tobe reported pood, at length, and well krmUk*4]ml
length, which completes the verse. Is carelessly dropc ky
both the editors.
i If hut retrieved into his back agaim ] This /with the
exception of But \f, for if but, which 1 am accoaniatile
(ct) Is the reading of the second quarto ; the flnt qaalad)
reads :
*' But if retained into hU Uck again.'*
J
THE BOiNDMAN.
99
ftprtimes shall witness to onr glory,
k from us beginning.
'Tis a happiness
to my country, and mine honour
consent to ; besides, add to these,
Dur pleasure, fortified by persuasion,
ngth of reason, for the genera] good,
hould go.
^las ! I then was witty
. against myself ; and mine eye, fix'd
e hill of honour, ne'er descended
into the vale of certain dangers,
I which you were to cut your passage to it.
Ill stay at home, then.
N'o, that must not be ;
senre my own ends, and to gain
wreath myself, I rob you of
1 triumph, which must fall upon you,
ie*s tum'd a handmaid to blind Fortune, v^
my soul divided ! to confirm you
pinion of the world, most worthy
>loved (with me you're at the height,
advance no further,) I must send you
; the goddess of stem war, who, if
you with my eyes, will ne'er return you,
w enamour'd of you.
Sweet, take comfort !
at I offer you, you must vouchsafe me,
wretchea: all the dangers that
counter in the war, are trifles ;
nies abroad, to be contemn *d ;
adfnl foes, that have the power to hurt me,
It home with you.
With me ?
Nay, in you,
r part about you, they are arm'd
against me.
Where?
There's no perfection
u are mistress of, but musters up
1 against me, and all sworn
lestruction.
This is strange !
But true, sweet ;
of love can work such miracles !
lis ivory forehead are intrench 'd
usand rivals, and these suns command
s from all the world, on pain to forfeit
>mfortable beams ; these ruby lips,
ixchequer to assure their pay ;
3d, Sibylla's golden bough to guard them,
i hell and horror, to the Elysian springs ;
wholl not venture for ? ana, should I name
the virtues of your mind invite,
ambers would be infinite.
Can you think
« tempted ?
You were never proved*.
I have conversed with you no further
ould become a brother. I ne'er tuned
lotes to your chaste ears ; or brought rich
artillery, to batter down [presents
tress of your honour ; nor endeavour'd
e your blood run high at solemn feasts
ands that provoke ; the speeding philtres :
t. You were never proved.] The whole of this
eraiacnily beanti/al ; yet I cannot avoid recom-
lo the reader's particnlar notice, the speech which
Its rhythm is so perfect, that it droos on the ear
iweetest melody.
I work'd no bawds to tempt 3rou ; never practised
The cunning and corrupting arts they study.
That wander in the wild maze of desire ;
Honest simplicity and truth were all
The agents I emplojr'd ; and when I came
To see vou, it was with that reirerence
As I beoeld the altars of the |^ods :
And love, that came along with me, was taught
To leave his arrows and his torch behind,
Quench'd in my fear to g^ve offence.
Cleo. And 'twas
That modesty that took me and preserves me.
Like a fresh rose, in mine own natural sweetness ,
Which, sullied with the touch of impure hands,
Loses both scent and beauty.
Leoft, But, Cleora,
When I am absent, as I must go from you
(Such is the cruelty of my fate), and leave you,
Unguarded, to the violent assaults
Of loose temptations ; when the memory
Of my so many years of love and service
Is lost in other objects ; when you are courted
By such as keep a catalogue of their conquests.
Won upon creoulous virgins ; when nor father
Is here to owe you, brother to advise you •,
Nor your poor servant by, to keep such off.
By lust instructed how to undermine.
And blow your chastity up ; when your weak senies,
At once assaulted, shall conspire against you.
And play the traitors to your soul, your virtue ;
How can you stand 1 'Faith, though you fall, and I
The judge before whom you then stood accused,
I should iicnuit you.
CUo. Will you then confirm
That love and jealousy, though of different natures,
Must of necessity be twins ; the younger
Created only to defeat the elder,
And spoil Imn of his birthright t ? 'tis not well.
But being to part, I will not chide, I will not ;
Nor with one syllable or tear, express
How deeply I am wounded with the arrows
Of your dii^trust : but when that you shall hear.
At your return, how I have borne myself,
And what an austere penance I take on me.
To satisfy your doubts ; when, like a vestal,
I shew you, to your shame, the fire still burning.
Committed to my charge by true affection,
The people joining with you in the wonder ;
When, by the glorious splendour of my sufferings.
The prying eyes of jealousy are struck blind.
The monster too that feeds on fears, e'en starved
For want of seeming matter to accuse me ;
Expect, Leosthenes, a sharp reproof
From my just anger.
Least. What will you do ?
Cleo, Obey me.
Or from this minute you are a stranger to me ;
And do't without reply. All-seeing sun,
'i hou witness of my innocence, thus I close
Mine eyes against thy comfortable light.
• when nor father
1$ here to owe you, brother to advise yotL] Owe iafle reading
of both the qnartos ; and is evidently right. The ^opertif of
Cleora was in the father; this is diBtingoished ftom the
only right the brother had :— fo advUe. The modern vJi-
tor8,not comprehending this, sophisticate the text; and print—
+ A^ndV^T^him qfhie birthriaht f] This is a happy
allusion to the history of Jacob and Esan. It is.^e more
so, for being void of all profaneness ; to whidW^D'!*^
Massingcr had no tendency. * j
H 2
J^
100
THE BONDMAN.
[Act II.
Till the return of this distnistfiil man !
Now bind them sure; — nay, do't: [He binds her
eyes."] If» uncompell'd,
I loose this knot, until the hands that made it
Be pleased to untie it, may consuming plagues
Fall heavy on me ! pray you guide me to your lips.
This kiss, when you come back, shall be a virgin
To bid you welcome ; nay, I have not done yet :
I will continue dumb, and, you once gone.
No accent shall come from me. Now to my chamber.
My tomb, if you miscarry : there Til spend
My hours in silent mourning, and thus much
Shall be reported of me to my glory.
And you confess it, whether I live or die,
My chastity triumphs o'er your jealousy. lEieunt,
SCENE IL~T^ tame. A Roam in Cleon's Houee.
Enter Asoxus, driving in Gracculo.
Asot. You slave ! you dog ! down, cur.
Grae. Hold, good young master,
For pitfa sake !
Aua, Now am I in my kingdom : —
Who says I am not valiant ? 1 begin
To frown again : quake, villain.
Grac. So I do, sir ;
Your looks are ag^es to me.
AsoU Are they so, sir!
'Slight, if I had them at this bay that flout me.
And say I look like a sheep and an ass, I'd make them
Feel that I am a lion.
Grac. Do not roar, sir.
As you are a valiant beast : but do you know
Why you use me thus 1
Asot. I'll beat thee a little more.
Then study for a reason. O ! 1 have it :
One brake a jest on me, and then I swore.
Because I durst not strike him, when I came home
That I would break thy head.
Grac. Plague on his mirth* !
I'm sure I mourn for't.
Asot. Remember too. I charge you.
To teach my horse good manners ye'. ; this morning.
As I rode to take the air, the untutor'd jade
Threw me, and kick'd me.
Grac. I thank him for't. [Aside.
Asot. What's that ?
Grac. I say, sir, I will teach him to hold his heels.
If you will rule your fingers.
AsoL I'll think upon't.
Garc. I am bruised to jelly : better be a dog,
Than slave to a fool or coward. [k^tJe.
AsoL Here's my mother.
Enter Cobisca and Zanthia.
She is chastising tod: how brave we live,
That have our uaves to beat, to keep us in breath
When we want exercise 1
Coris, Careless harlotry, [Striking her.
Look to't ; if a curl fall, or wind or sun
Take my complexion off, I will not leave
One hair upon thine head.
Grac Here's a second show
• Grac. PUgne on hi§ mirth.] Thb is marked u a side
•peech by the modern editors ; It is spolien, liovrever, to
Atocus: and allodes to wliat he calls ujeat in tlie preceding
line. It is wortli olwerviog, that the editor of the second
qaarto freqaently varies the exclamations of the flmt, and
always for the worse : thns Play^ t is Dnifurmly turned
into P-^t Coxcter and Mr. M. Mason foUow him.
f the faro ily of pride. [Ande.
Coris. Fie on these wars !
I'm starved for want of action ; not a gamester left
To keep a woman play. If tliis world last
A little longer with us, ladies must study
Some new-foimd mystery to cool one another ;
We shall bum to cinders else. I have heard there
have been
Such arts in a long vacation ; would they were
Reveal'd to me ! they have made my doctor too
Physician to the ariny ; he was used
To serve the turn at a pinch ; but I am now
Quite unprovided.
Asot. My mother-in-law is, sure.
At her devotion.
Coris. There are none but our slaves left.
Nor are they to be trusted. Some greet women.
Which I could name, in a dearth of visitants.
Rather than be idle, have been glad to play
At small game ; but I am so queasy-stomach'd.
And from my youth have been so used to dainriaa,
1 cannot taste such gross meat. Some that are
Draw on their shoemakers, and take a fiiU [hungry
From such as mend mats in their galleries ;
Or when a tailor settles a petticoat on.
Take measure of his bodkin ; fie upon't !
'Tis base ; for my part, I could ratner lie with
A gallant's breeches, and conceive upon them.
Than stoop so low.
Asot. Fair madam, and my mother. [coiintnr,
Coris. Leave the last out, it smells rank of toe
And shews coarse breeding; your true courtier
knows not
His niece, or sister, from another woman,
If she be apt and cunning. I could tempt now
This fool, but he will be so long a working !
Then he's my husband's son : — the fitter to
Supply his wants ; I have the way already,
I'll try if it will take. When were you with
Your mistress, fair Cleora 1
Asot. Two days sithence ;
But she's so cov, forsooth, that ere I can [for her,
Speak a penn'd speech I have bought and studied
Her woman calls her away.
Coris. Here's a dull thing !
But better taught, I hope. Send off your man.
Asot. Sirrah, be gone.
Grae, I'his is the first good turn
She ever did me.
Coris. Well have a scene of mirth ;
I must not have you shamed for want of pnctios.
I stand here for Cleora, and, do you hear, minioo.
That you may tell her what her woman should do,
Repeat the lesson over that I tau|;ht yon.
When my young lord came to visit me ; if joa miss
In a syllable or posture——
Zant. I am perfect.
Asot. Would I were so ! I fear I shall be oot.
Coris. If you are. 111 help you in. Thus I walk
You are to enter, and, as you pass by, [i
Salute my woman ; — be but bold enough.
You'll speed, I warrant jrou. Begim
Asot. Have at it
Save thee, sweet heart ! a kiss.
Zant. Venus forbid, sir,
I should presume to taste your honour *s lips
Before my lady.
Coris. This is well on both parts.
Asot. How does thy lady ?
Zant. Happy in your lordship.
[EtiL
ScFJfB UI.]
THE BONDMAN.
101
yoa:
lout.
Ab oft as she tbinkt on yoa.
Corit. Very rood ;
lliU wench will lesrn in time.
AioL Does she think of me 1
ZanL O, sir ! and speaks the best of too ; admires
Your wit, jour clothes, discourse ; and swears, but
that
Vou are not forward enough for a lord, you were
The most complete and absolute man, — I'll shew
Your lordship a secret.
AsoL Not of thine ownl
Zant. O ! no, sir,
'Tis of my lady : but, upon your honour.
You must conceal it.
Atot. By all means.
ZanL Sometimes
I lie with my lady ; as the last night I did ;
She could not say her prayers for thinking of yo
Nay, she talk'd of you in her sleep, and sigh'd o
5iMrt Atoha, ture thou art to backward.
That I must ravish thet! and in that fervour
She took me in her arms, threw me upon her,
Ki«i*d me, and hugg*d me, and then waked, and wept.
Because 'twas but a dream.
Corit. This will bring him on.
Or he's a block. A good girl 1
Atat, I am mad.
Till I am at it.
Zamt Be not put off, sir.
With, Away, I dart not ;^fie» you art immodest ; -^
Mtf brathir t up; — my father will htar^ — Shoot home.
You cannot miss the mark. [sir,
Atot. There's for thy counsel.
This is the fiurest interlude, — ^if it prove earnest,
1 shall wish I were a player.
Corit. Now my turn comes.
I am exceeding sick, pray you send my pa^e
For young Asotns, I cannot live without hmi ;
Pray htm to visit me ; yet, when he's present,
I must be strange to him.
AsoL Not so, }rou are caught :
Lo, wh<mi yon wish ; behold Asotus here !
Corit, Yon wait well, minion ; shortly I shall not
speak
My thoughts in my private chamber, but they must
Lie open to discovery.
Atot, 'Slid, she's angry.
Zami, No, no, air, she but seems so. To her again.
AtoL Lady, I would descend to kiss your hand,
But that 'ds gloved, and civet makes me sick ;
And to presume to taste your lip's not safe,
Yonr woman by.
Corit, I hope she's no observer
Of whom I grace. {Zanthia lookt on a book.
Atot, She% at her book, O rare ! [Kisset Iter,
Corit, A kiss for entertainment is sufficient ;
Too much of one dish cloys me.
Atet, I would serve in
The second course ; but stOl I fear your woman.
Corit, Yoa are very cautelous*.
[ZanlAta teemt to titep.
* Cork. I'm are werf caatdoas.] Thte word oneun con-
tianally in tkm wenat of wary, nsplcioM, ovcr-circam-
•prcc,*c.
" This caanoC be Briaae, that worthy gentlemaii.
"He it loo pradeBt. and too cauteloua: The Elder
Brother; yet Mr. M. Maaon cbooMs to displace it for
J which, boidet heieg a fiebier eaprewion, ha> the
farther rccomoieadatlita, of ^pnUing the metre. I cannot
avoid nljolBiagflhat Ihli, and the preceding teene, are most
Atot. 'Slight, she's asleep 1
Tis pity these instructions are not printed ;
They would sell well to chambermaids. 'Tis no
time now
To play with my good fortune, and your £ivour ;
Yet to be taken, as they say : — a scout,
To give the signal when the enemy comes,
IKrit Zanthia.
Were now worth gold. — She's gone to watch.
A waiter so train'd up were worth a million
To a wanton city madam.
Coris, You are g^wn conceited*.
Atot. You teach me. Lady, now your cabinet —
Coris, You speak as it were yours.
Atot. When we are there,
III shew you my best evidence.
Corit. Hold ! you forget,
I only play Cleore's part.
Asot. No matter,
Now we've beg^n, let's end the act.
Coris. Forbear, sir j
Your father's wife !
Asot. VVby, being his heir, I am bound.
Since he can make no satisfaction to you.
To see his debts paid
Enter Zantria running,
Zant. Madam, my lord !
Corit. Fall off;
I must trifle with the time too ; hf>ll confound it
Asot. Plague on his toothless chaps ! he cannot
do't
Himself, yet hinders such as have good stomachs.
Enter Cl£On.
Clean. Where are you, wife? I fain would go
abroad,
But cannot find my slaves that bear my litter ;
I am tired. Your shoulder, son ; — ^nay, sweet, thy
hand too ;
A turn or two in the garden, and then to supper.
And so to bed.
ilMt. Never to rise, I hope, more. [Exeicnt.
SCENE III.— i4 Grove near the Wallt of Syracuse.
Enter Pisander and Poupdron, A Table,
Pitan. 'Twill take, I warrant tliee.
Poliph, You may do your pleasure ;
But, in my judgment, better to make use of
The present opportunity.
Pitan. No more.
Poliph, I am silenced.
Pisan, More wine ; prithee drink hard, friend.
And when we're hot, whatever I propound.
Enter Cm brio, Graoculo, and other Slaves,
Second with vehemence. Men of your words, all
welcome !
Slaves use no ceremony ; sit down, here's a health.
Poliph. Let it run round, fill evenr man his glass.
Grae. We look for no waiters ; tnis is wine !
■candalontly given by both the editor* ; scarcely a alogle
speech being withoat a misprint or an orolMlon.
* Coris. You are grown conceited,] L e. facetiona, witty :
so in Ram AUey or Merry Trteha, 1611.
Throats. What brongbt yoo hither f
Boat. Why, these small legs.
Tkfroaie. Yoa are conceited, sir.
10«
THE BONDMAN.
[Act II.
Pisan. The better, [us
Strong, lusty wine : drink deep, this juice will make
As free as our lords. [Drinks.
Grac, But if tliey find we taste it.
We are all damn'd to the quarry during life,
Without hope of redemption.
¥isan. Pish ! for that
We'll talk anon : another rouse* ! we lose time ;
[DHnU,
When our low blood's wound up a little higher,
111 offer my design *, nay, we are cold yet ;
These glasses contain nothing :— 4o me right,
[Tahes the battle.
As e'er you hope for liberty. 'Tis done bravely ;
How do you feel yourselves now ?
Cimb, I begin
To have strange conundrums in my head.
Grac. And I [now,
To loath base water : I would be hang*d in peace
For one month of such holidays.
Piaan, An age, boys,
And yet defy the whip ; if you are men.
Or dare believe you have souls.
Cimb. We are no brokers.
Grac, Nor whores, whose marks are out of their
mouths, they have nonet ;
They hardly can get salt enough to keep them
From stinking above ground.
Piaan, Our lords are no gods —
Grac. They are devils to us, I am sure.
Pitan. But subject to
Cold, hunger, and diseases.
Grac. In abundance.
Your lord that feels no ach in his chine at twenty.
Forfeits his privilege ; how should their surgeons
Or ride on their footcloths ? [build else,
Pitan. Equal Nature fashion^ us
All in one mould. The bear serves not the bear.
Nor the wolf the wolf; 'twas odds of strength in
tyrants,
That pluck'd the first link from the golden chain
With which that Thing of Thivcs^ bound in the
world.
Why then, since we are taught, by their examples.
To love our liberty, if not command, [ones ?
Should the strong serve the weak, the fair, deform'd
Or such as know the cause of things, pay tribute
To ignorant fools? All's but the outwaid gloss,
And jtolitick form, that does distinguish us.
Cimbrio, thou art a strong man ; if, in place
Of carrying burthens, thou hadst been train'd up
In mardal discipline, thou might'st have proved
A general, fit to lead and fight for Sicily,
As fortunate as Timoleon.
Cimb. A little fighting
Will serve a general's turn.
Piun, Thou, Gracculo,
Hast fluency ot language, quick conceit ; .
And, I think, cover'd with a senator's robe.
Formally set on the bench, thou wouldst appear
As brave a senator.
Grac. Would I had lands,
* amother ronte!] Another full glass, another bo in«
per. See the Duke qf Miian.
t Grac. Nor whoree,whoeemark» are out o/ their mouthet
they have none;] Tkep have none; is omitted both by Coxe-
ter and M. Mason.
X Thai TuiMO OF Tbinos.] A literal translation, as Mr.
M. Marin observes, of Ems Entium. I kuow not where
Pisandtr acquired his revolutionary philosophy : his goklen
chain, perhaps be found in Homer.
Or money to buy a place ; and if I did not |
Sleep on the bench with the drowsiest of them, play i
with my chain, [and wear
Look on my watch, when my guts chimed twelve,
A state beard, with my barber's help, rank with ,
them I
In their most choice peculiar gifts ; degrade me.
And put me to drink water again, whidi, now
I have tasted wine, were poison !
Piaan. 'Tis spoke nobly.
And like a gownman : none of these, I think too.
But would prove good burghers.
Grac, Hum ! the fools are modest ;
I know their insides : here's an ill-faced fellow,
(But that will not be seen in a dark shop,)
If he did not in a month learn to outswear, [man
In the selling of his wares, the cunning'st trades-
In Syracusa, I have no skill. Here's another.
Observe but what a cozening look he has ! —
Hold up tliy head, man ; if, for drawing gallants
Into mortgages for commodities^, or cheating heirs
With your new counterfeit gold thread, and giunm'd
velvets.
He does not transcend all that went before him.
Call in his patent: pass the rest; they'll all make
Sufilcient beccos, and with their brow-antlers
Bear up the cap of maintenance.
Piaan* Is't not pity, then.
Men of such eminent virtues should be slaves!
Cimb. Our fortune.
Piaan, 'Tis your folly : daring men
Command and make their fates. Say, at this instant,
I mark'd you out a way to liberty ;
Possess'd you of those blessings, our proud lords
So long have surfeited in } and, what is sweetest.
Arm you with power, by strong hsnd to revenge
Your stripes, your unregarded toil, the pride.
The insolence of such as tread upon
Your patient sufferings ; fill your fionisb'd months
With the fat and plenty of the land ; redeem yon
From the dark vale of servitude, and seat you
Upon a hill of happiness ; what would you do
To purchase this, and morel
Grac. Do ! any thing :
To bum a church or two, and dance bj the light on't.
Were but a May-game.
Poliph. I have a father living ;
But, if the cutting of his throat could work this,
He should excuse me.
Cimb. 'Slight ! I would cut mine own.
Rather than miss it, so I might but have
A taste on't, ere I die.
• if* for drawing jfaUanie
Into morti/oifee for cummudiiies, Arc] 1. c. tor warei* of |
which the neudy borrower made wluit he eoald : ** FixU,
hcr«'<i yuung master Rash ; lie's in for a com me ii tg of iMrowe I
pxper nod old finger, ninescore and seventeen poasda; ttf |
vthich he made Ave marks ready money:" meamere Jbr
AJetture. This is ridicolons enough; and. Indeed, oar old
writc'is are extremely pleasant on the heterofeacoea artldes*
which the nsurers of their days forced oo the ' ocecMity of
the thuaghtless spendthrift, in lieu of the nsooey for which
hi> hud rashly signed. Fieldini( has imitated them in hit
Aliger, without adding much to Uieir hnmoor : aad Fonip,
in The Minor, has servilely followed his example. The
spectators of those scenes probably thonght that the writen
had gone beyond real life, and drawn on lnia|iBatleB far
their amusement : but transactions (not altofeiher nropert
perhaps, to be specified here) have actually taken pteee in
our own times, which leave their boldest concepHons at
an humble distance ; and prove, beyond a doobt, that la the
arts of raisiog money, the invention of the moot fertile port
must yield to that of the meanest acrivaaer.
ScDfsU.]
THE BONDMAN.
103^
Putni, Be rMolute men,
You shall run no such hasard, nor groan under
Tke burthen of such cxying sins.
Cimb, The means?
Grac» I feel a woman's longing.
Polipk, Do not torment us
With expectation.
Pitan. Thus, then : Our proud masters,
And all the able fireemen otthe city.
Are gone unto the frars
Poliph, Observe but that.
Pisan, Old men, and such as can make no resist-
ance.
Are only left at home
Grac, And the proud young fool,
My master : If this take, HI hamper him.
Pita$u Their arsenal, their treasure, 's in our
power.
If we have hearts to seise them. If our lords fall
In the present action, the whole country's ours :
Say they return rictorious, we have means
To keep the town against them : at the worst,
To make our own conditions. Now, if you dare
Fall on their daughters and their wives, break up
Their iron chests, banquet on their rich beds,
And carve yourselves of all delights and pleasure
You have been barr*d from, with one roice cry with
Liberty, liberty ! [me,
AIL Liberty, liberty ! [dom :
Piian, Go then, and take possession : use all free-
But shed no blood. — So, this is well begun ;
But not to be commended, till't be done. [Eivunt.
ACT III.
SCENE I. -^ The tame. A Roam in Abchidamus's
ffoiiM.
Enter Pisandbr and Timandra.
Piean, Why, think you that I plot againstmyself *?
Fear nothing, you are safe ; these thick-skinn'd slaves
I use as instruments to serve my ends,
Pierce not my deep designs ; nor shall they dare
To lift an arm agamst you.
Tamnd. With your wUL
But turbulent spirits, raised beyond themselves
With ease, are not so soon laid ; they oft prove
Dangerous to him that call'd them up.
Pimn. 'Tis true.
In what is raahlv undertook. Long since
I have considered seriously their natures.
Proceeded widi mature advice, and know
I hold their wills and ftculties in more awe
Than I can do my own. Now, for their license
And riot in the city, I can make
A just defence ana use : it may appear too
A politick ptevention of such Uls
As mieht, with greater violence and danger.
Hereafter be attempted ; though some smart for't.
It matters not: — however, I'm resolved;
And sleep yon with security. Holds Cleora
Constant to her rash vow?
Jtmamd. Beyond belief j
To me, that see her hourly, it seems a fable.
By signs I guess at her commands, and serve them
With silence ; such her pleasure is, made known
By holdiiig her fair hand thus. She eats little,
Suepa less, as I imagine; onoe a day,
I lead her to this gsUery, where she walks
Soma half a doaen turns, and, having offer *d
To her abaent saint a sacrifice of sighs.
She points back to her prison.
Pwau Guide her hiuier.
And make her undentand the slaves' revolt ;
And, with your utmost eloquence, enlarge
• Piaaa. IFXr> 'MOr pm that J phi agahut mymtff]
The pteC opens hero with wonderAil addreH, and the tao-
cccdiiBg confcnoccv or nlhcr leene, bctwcca PiMiider and
Cleora, b iklmHafalj bcaatifU.
Their insolence, and rapes done in the city :
Forget not too, I am their chief, and tell her
You strongly think my extreme dotage on her.
As I'm Manillo, caused this sudden uproar
To make way to enjoy her.
Timand. Punctually
I will discharge my part. [£n/.
Enier Poliphron.
Poliph, O, sir, I sought you : [loose ;
You've miss'd the best* sport ! Hell, I think's broke
There's such variety of all disorders,
As leaping, shouting, drinking, dancing, whoring.
Among the slaves ; answer'd with crying, howling.
By the citizens and their wives ; such a confusion.
In a word, not to tire you, as, I think,
The like was never read of.
Pisan, I share in
The pleasure, though I'm absent. This is some
Revenge for my disgrace.
Poliph. But, sir, I fear.
If your authority restrain them not.
They'll fire the city, or kill one another.
They are so apt to outrage ; neither know I
Whether you wish it, and came therefore to
Acquaint you with so much.
Pisan, I will among them ;
But most not long be absent.
Poliph. At your pleasure. ^Exeunt,
SCENE II. — The same. Another Room in the same.
Shouts within. Enter Cleora and Tim andra.
Timand, They are at our gates : my heart ! affrights
and horrors
Increase each minute. No way left to save us.
No flattering hope to comfort us, or means
But miracle to redeem us from base Inst
And lawless rapine ! Are there gods, yet suffer
Such innocent sweetness to be made the spoil
« You*tfe mimfd the beft nort f\ Beet, which is not in
Coxcter, or M. Mbmu, i* only found In the first editk>n ; it
wenu neceitary to the metre.
104
THE BONDMAN.
(Aerni
Of bratish appetite? or, since thej decree
To ruin nature's masterpiece, of which |
They have not left onejiattem, must they choose, i
To set their tyranny off, slaves to pollute '
The spring of chastity, and poison it ' '
With their most loath'd embraces? and, of those.
He, that should offer up his life to guard it,
Marullo, curs'd Marullo, your own bondman,
PurchasHl to serve you, and fed by your favours?—
Nay, start not : it is he ; he, the grand coptain
Of these libidinous beasls, that have not left
One cruel act undone, tliat barbarous conquest
Yet ever practised in a captive city.
He, doting on your beauty, and to have fellows
in his foul 8in. hath rais^ these mutinous slaves
Who htive begun the game by violent rapes
Upon the wives and daughters of their lords :
And he, to quench the fire of his base lust,
By force comes to enjov you :^-do not wring
Vour innocent hands, tis bootless ; use the means
That may preserve you. 'Tis no crime to break
A vow when you are forced to it ; shew your face.
And with the majesty of commanding beauty,
Strike dead his loose' affections : if that fail.
Give liberty to your tongue, and use entreaties;
There cannot be a breast of flesh and blood.
Or heart so made of flint, but must receive
Impression from your words ; or eyes so stem.
But, from the clear reflection of your tears.
Must melt, and bear them company. W' ill vou not
Do these good offices to yourself? poor I, tlien.
Can only weep your fortune : — here he comes.
Enter Pisander, speaking at the door,
Pi$an, He that advances
A foot beyond this, comes upon my dword :
You have' had your wavs, disturb not mine.
Timand, Speak gently.
Her fears may kill her else.
Piian. Now Love inspire me !
Still shall this canopy of envious night
Obscure my suns of comfort? and those dainties
Of purest white and red, which I take in at
My greedy eyes, denied my famish *d senses? —
The organs of your he^iring vet are oi>en ;
And you infringe no vow, though you vouchsafe
To give them warrant to convey unto
Your understanding parts, the story of
A tortured and despairing lover, whom
Not fortune but afl'ection marks your slave :-—
Shake not, b<^st lady ! for believe't, you are
As far from danger as I am from force:
All violence I shall offer, tends no further
Than to relate m? sufferings, which I dare not
Presume to do, till, by some gracious sign,
You shew you are pleased to hear me.
Timand. If you are.
Hold forth your right hand.
[Cleoru holds forth her right hand,
Pisan, So, tis done ; and I
With mv glad lips seal humbly on your foot.
My sours thanks for the favour : I forbear
To tell you who I am, what wealth, what honours
I made exchange of, to become your servant :
And, though I knew worthy Leosthenes
(For sure he must be worthy, for whose love
You have endured so much) to be my rival ;
When rage and jealousy counseird me to kill him.
Which then I could have done with much more ease,
Than now, jb fear to grieve you, I dare speak it.
Lore, seconded with duty, boldly told me
The man I hated, fair Cleora favoor'd :
And' that was bis protection. [Cisprs bmee.
Timand, See, she bows
Her head in sign of thankfulness.
Pifan. He removed by
The occssioii of the war, (my fins incrcssiDg
By being closed and stopp'd up,) fnntie affection
Prompted me to do something in his sbsenoe.
That might deliver you into my power.
Which you see is effected ; and, even now.
When my rebellious passions chide my dulness.
And tell me how much I abuse my fortunes.
Now it is in my power to bear you hence,
[CleormUmrt^
Or take my wishes here, (nay, fear not, madaa.
True love s a servant, brutish lusts tyrant,)
I dare not touch those viands that ne*er tastp well.
But when they're freely offer'd : only thus much.
Be pleased I may speak in my own dear cause.
And think it worthy your consideration,
( I have loved truly, cannot say deserved.
Since duty must not take the name of merit,)
That I so far prise your content, before
All blessings that my hope can ftshion to me.
That willingly 1 entertain despair.
And, for your sake, embrace it : for I know.
This opportunity lost, by no endeavour
The like can be recover*d. To conclude
Forget not that I lose myself to save you :
For what can I expect but death and torture^
The war being ended? and, what is a task
Would trouble Hercules to undertske^
I do deny you to myself, to give you,
A pure unspotted present, to my rivsL
I have said : If it aistaste not, best of virgins.
Reward my temperance with some lawful favour.
Though you contemn my peraon.
[Cleora fcnee6, then pulh effher gUfte, amd
offers her hand to Pitander,
Timand, See, she kneels ;
And seems to call upon the gods to pay
The debt she owes your virtue : to perform which.
As a sure pledge of friendship, she vouchsafes yon
Her fair* right hand.
Pisan, I am paid for all my sufferings.
Now, when you please, pass to your private obaaaber ,
My love and duty, faithful guarda, ahall keep voa
From all disturbance ; and when you are sstea
With tbinking of Leosthenes, as a fee
Due to my service, spare one aigh for me.
[ Exeunt Cteara make* a tow ea ur tmy n tht
goes off:
SCENE llI^-^Ths tame, A Room in Cleon's Hmm.
Enter Gractulo, leading Asorus in an €ipe*8 i
with a chain about his neck ; Zakthia m Coubca*s
clothes, she bearing up her train,
Crac, Come on, sir.
Asot, Oh !
Grac, Do you grumble ? jon were ever
A brainless sss ; but, if this hold. 111 tesoh you
To come sloft, snd do tricks like so spe.
Your morning's lesson : if you miss—
Asot, O no, sir.
• Her filr right kemd.] I have lawrteA fimr Ami te
Sr«t qv«rto : iIm subteqacut edllkmt dropl It.
l-r^
ficBtvIII.]
THE BONDMAN.
105
Grac WbatfortheCBitliBg^iiiiinit {Ataiui makes
MflppM.] a rood beast*.
Wliat for oiuMir, your lord T [XXmrtt.] Ezoeeding
j wellf. [go.
There's your xeward. Not kiss your paw ! So, so,
Zant, Was erer ladj, the first day of her honour.
So waited on ^^ a wrmlded crone 1 She looks now,
Withoat her painting, curling, and perfumes.
Like the last day of January ; and stinks worse
Than a hot brache in the dogdays. Further offl
So— stand there like an image ; if you stir.
Tin, with a qaarter of a look, I call yon.
You know wnat follows.
Orris, O, what am I fiillen to !
But 'tis a punishment for my lust and pride.
Justly retum'd upon me.
Gne. How dost thou like
Thy ladyship, Zanthia?
ioHt. Very well -, and bear it
With as mudi state as your lordship.
Grae. Give me thy hand :
Let us, like conquering Romans, walk in triumph t,
Our captives following : then mount our tribunals.
And make the alaTes our footstools.
Zant, Fine, by Jove !
Are your hands clean, minion 1
Cons, Yes, forsooth.
2ant. Fall off then. [duties
So, now come on ; and, having made your three
Down, I ssy— are you stiff in the bams? — ^now kneel,
And tie our shoe : now kiss it, and be happy^
p Grae, This is state, indeed.
ZanU It is such as she taught me ;
A tickling itch of greatness, your proud ladies
Expect from their poor waiters : we have changed
She does what she forced me to do in her reign.
And I must practise it in mine.
Grue, *Tis justice :
O! he
One What far tkt CarthoffMemsT [Aiotas makes
. J».j For tUa word, which siKniflet that qnick and
Crioainf moCioo of the teeth and lipt which apes make when
tliejr mn Irritated, and which is fuand in both the copies,
the nodera cdilofs, ia kindness to their readers, I suppose,
have mmtiksr Indeed, they do not teem to have anderstood
the kaoionr of this scene, which, io hoth, especially in Mr.
M. M aaoo, b most nej;Ugeut]y printed.
t fFhai /br amrselr jftmr lordf Here Asoetns roast be
s«i»poeed to eonsr «l(^, I. e. to leap, or rather tnmble, in
token or satiaCKtioo. Oar ancestors certainly excelled as
in the adncalloo which they cave to Uieir aoianals. Banks's
.. ^. swoasaed all that have been broacht ap in the
. of Mr. Astley; and the apes of these days are
clowns to their progenitors. The apes of Masainger's
cUae were gifted with a pretty Hnattering of politics and
phikMophy. The widww Wikl had one of them : *• He wookl
emm tmtr fur all nqr Meada, bat was the dogged'st thins;
to Mj enemies ; he woold sit npoa his Uil before them, and
frowB Ifln John-a-aapes when the pope is named." The
Pmrmm'a Wedttk^. Another may be found in Ram AUsg:
** Men say yoaNw tricks ; remember, noble capuin.
Ton akl^ when I shafl shake my whip. Now, sir.
What can yon do for the great Tark f
What can yoa do for the Pope of Rome f
Lol "^
He stirreth aot, be moreth not, he waggeth not
What casi yoa da for the town of Geneva, sirrah t
f" Coftaim hMs ttp his handr Ste,
tone. Ghmmsfh^hwtd:
Lst tu, Uhs eoB^neriag Romans, watt la frfwrnp^] Grac-
cnlo speaks la the spirit of prophecy ; for the confweriii^
i ? a w s tfa s were at thia tinw stragriing with their neighbours
for a few mlaeraUc hntt to hide their beads in ; and If any
of stoica btevti.
Enter Cimbrio, Cleon, PoLipuaoN, and Oltm pia.
Cimb, Discover to a drachma.
Or I will famish thee.
CUon. O ! I am pined already.
Cimb. Hunger shall force thee to cut off the brawns
From thy arms and thighs, then broil them on the
For carbonadoes. [coals
Polxph, Spare the old jade, he's foundered.
Grae, Cut his throat then,
And hang him out for a scarecrow.
PoUph. You hare all your wishes
In your revenge , and 1 have mine. You see
I use no tyranny : when I was her slave.
She kept me as a sinner, to lie at ber back
In frosty nights, and fed me high with dainties.
Which still she had in her belly again era morning ,
And in requital of those courtesies.
Having made one another free, we are married ;
And, if you wish us joy, join with us in
A dance at our wedding.
Gmc, Agreed ; for £ have thought of
A most triumphant one, which shall express
We are lords, and these our slaves.
PoUph. But we shall want
A woman.
Grae, No, here'n Jane-of-apes shall serve • ;
Carry your body swimming — Where's the music ?
Poliph, I have placed it m yon window.
Grae, Begin then sprightlv.
(Muskt and then a dance.
Enter Pisander behind,
PoUjth, Well done on all aides I I have prepared s
Let's drink and cool us. [banquet ;
Grae, A good motion.
Cimb. Wait here i
You have been tired with feasting, learn to fast now.
Grae, III hbve an apple for Jack, and may be
May fall to your share. [some scraps
[£r«unt Grae, Zant. Cimb, PoUph. and Olymp.
Ccris, Whom can we accuse
But ourselves, for what we suffer? Thou art just.
Thou all-creating Power ! and misery
Instructs me now, that yesterday acknowledged
No deity beyond my lust and pride.
There is a heaven above us, that looks down
With the eyes of justice, upon such as numbei
Those blessings freely g^ven, in the accumpt
Of their poor merits ; else it could not be.
Now miserable I, to please whose palate
The elements were ransack'd, yet complain'd
Of nature, as not liberal enough
In her provision of rarities
To sooth my taste, and pamper my proud flesh.
Should wish in vain for bread.
Clean. Yes, I do wish too.
For what I fed my dogs with.
Caris. I, that forgot
I was made of flesh and blood, and thought the silk
Spun by the diligent worm, out of their entrails.
Too coarse to clothe me, and the softest down
Too hard to sleep on ; that disdain'd to look
On virtue bemg in rags, that stopp'd my noes
At those that £d not use adulterate arts
To better nature ; that from those that served me
£xpected adoration, am made justly
* Grae. No, hen^s Jane^of-apes shaU serve i] Meaning
Corisca : be plays upon Jach-an-apes, the name he h4d
given to Asotna.
106
IHK isONDMAN.
[Act III.
The scorn of my own bondwoman.
Asat, I am pnniah'd,
For seeking to cuckold mine own natural firther :
Had I beeo gelded then, or used myself
Like a man, I had not been transform'd, and forced
To play an overgrown ape.
Cieon, I know I cannot [both ;
Last long, that's aU my comfort. Come , I forgive
Tis in vain to be angry ; let us, therefore.
Lament together like friends.
Pisan. What a true mirror
Were this sad spectacle for secure greatness !
Here the^, that never see themselves, but in
The glass of servile flattery, might behold
The weak foundation upon which they build
Their trust in human frailty. Happy are those.
That knowing, in their births, they are subject to
Uncertain change, are still prepared, and arm*d
For either fortune : a rare principle.
And with much labour, learn 'd in wisdom's school !
For, as these bondmen, by their actions, shew
That their prosperity, like too large a sail
For their small bark of judgment, sinks them with
A fore-right gale of liberty, ere they reach
The port they long to touch at : so these wretches.
Swollen with the talse opinion of their worth,
And proud of blessings left them, not acquired ;
That did believe they could with giant arms
Fathom the earth, aud were above their fates.
Those borrow 'd helps, that did support them, van-
ish'd,
Fall of themselves, and by unmanly sufTering,
Betray their proper weakness , and make known
Their boasted greatness was lent, not their own.
Cteon, O for some meat ! they sit long,
C<iru, We forgot.
When we drew out intemperate feasts till midnight;
Their hunger was not thought on, nor their watch-
ings;
Nor did we hold ourselves served to the height.
But when we did exact and force their duties
Beyond their strength and power.
A$at. We pay for't now :
I now could be content to have my head
Broke with a rib of beef, or for a cotfin.
Be buried in the dripping pan.
Re-enter Polipmon, Cimbrio, Graccvlo, Zantuia,
and Olympia, drunk and quarrelling,
Cimh, Do not hold me:
Not kiss the bride !
Poliph, No, sir.
Cimb. She's common good.
And so we'll use her.
Crac, Well have nothing private.
Pi$an. learning foruxird] Hold !
Zant, Here's Marullo.
Olymp, He's your chief.
Cin^, We are equals ;
I will know no obedience.
Grac. Nor superior —
Nay, if you are lion-drunk, I will make one ;
For lightly ever he that parts the fray.
Goes away with the blows.*
• Far lightly ever he that parts tbe/rap,
Goet away with the blotCM.i Lightly ik commonly, usu-
ally ; BO in 7%« New Inn :
Beau. What iuBotcnt, hair-Tvltted thin^*, these are ;
Lai. So are all smatterers. Insolent aud impudent ;
They lightty go together.
PiMfi. Art thou mad too 1
No more, aa you respect me.
Poiiph, I obey, sir.
Pitan. Quarrel among yourselves !
Cimb. Yes, in our wine, sir.
And for our wenches.
Grac. How could we be lords else 1
Pisan. Take heed ; I've news will cool this heat
Remember what you were. [and make you
Cimb. How!
Pisan. Send off these,
And then TU tell you. ^Zanthia beats Carisea.
Olymp. This is tyranny.
Now she offends not.
ZanU 'Tis for exercise.
And to help digestion. What is she good for else ?
To me it was her language.
Pisan. Lead her off.
And take heed, madam minx, the wheel may turn.
Go to your meat and rest ; and from this hour
Remember he that is a lord to day.
May be a slave tomorrow.
Ckon. Good morality !
[Exeunt Clean, Asot. Zant. Olymp. and Coris.
Cimb, But what would you impart ?
Pisan. What must invite you
To stand upon your guard, and leave your feasting ;
Or but imagine what it is to be
Most miserable, and rest assured you are so.
Our masters are victorious.
AU. How !
Pisan. Within
A day's march of the city, flesh'd with spoi].
And proud of conquest ; the armado sunk ;
The Carthaginiau admiral, hand to hand,
Slain by Leosthenes.
Cimb. I feel the whip
Upon my back already.
Grac, Every man
Seek a convenient tree, and hang himself.
Poliph. Better die once, than live an age, to aiiffer
New tortures every hour.
Cimb. Say, we submit.
And yield us to their mercy 1~^
Pisan. Can you flatter
Yourselves with such false hopes? Or dare rou think
That your imperious lords, that never iail'd
To punish with severity petty slips
^ In your neglect of labour, may be won
i To pardon those licentious outrages
\ Which noble enemies forbear to practise
lUpon tlie conquer'd ? What have you omitted.
That may call on their just revenge with horror.
And studied cruelty ? we have gone too far
To think now of retiring ; in our courage.
And daring*, lies our safety ; if you are not
Slaves in your abject minds, as in 3rour fbrtiines.
Since to die is the worst, better expose
Our naked breasts to their keen swords, and sell
Our lives with the most advantage, than to trust
In a forestall'd remission, or yield up
Our bodies to the furnace of weir frury;
Thrice heated with revenge.
Again, in The Fax :
** I knew 'twould take ;
For lightly^ they that use themselves moat license.
Are still most Jealous."
• ' in our courage.
And daring, lies our eafeig ;] The oU coplca read inaimi :
but It is an evident misprinL
ScemeIV.]
THE BONOB^AN
107
One. Yon led ns on.
Cimb. And 'tU but justice you should bring us off.
Grac. And we expect it.
Pitan, Hear then and obey me ;
And I will either ssre you, or fall with you :
Man the walls strongly, and make good the ports ;
Boldly deny their entrance, and rip up
Your grieYances, and what compelled you to
This {Operate course : if they disdain to hear
Of composition, we have in our powers
TlMnr aged fathers, children, and their wires.
Who, to preserve themaelres, must willingly
Mxke intercession for us. Tis not time now
To talk, but do : a glorious end, or freedom.
Is now proposed us ; stand resolved for either.
And, UIdb good fellows, live or die together.
SCENE IV.— 71W Cwnfry near Syracuse. The
Camp if Timoleon.
BmUr Leosthekis and Tulaooras.
TIsMg. I am so iar from envy, I am proud
You have outstripp*d me in the race of honour.
O 'twas a glorious day, and bravely won !
Your bold performance gave such lustre to
Tinu>leon*s wise directions, as the army
Rests doubtful, to whom they stand most engaged
For their so great success.
Leoft. The gods first honoured,
The glory be the general's ; 'tis &r from me
To be his rivaL
TUmag, Yon abuse your fortune.
To entertain her choice snd gracious favours
With a contracted brow ; plumed Victory
Is truly painted with a cheerful look.
Equally distant from proud insolence,
And base d^ection.
LeotL O Timagoras,
You only are acquainted with the cause
That loads my md heart with a hill of lead ; [nour
Whose ponderous weight, neither my new-got ho-
Assisted by the general applause
The soldier crowns it with*, nor all war's glories
Can lessen or remove : and would you please.
With fit consideration, to remember
How much I wrong'd Cleora's innocence
With m3r nsh doubts ; and what a grievous penance
She did impoee upon her tender sweetness.
To pluck away the vulture jealousy.
That led upon my liver ; you cannot blame me,
But caD it a fit justice on myself,
Thouffh I resolve to be a stranger to
The uonght of mirth or pleasure.
Tmag, You have redeemed
The forfeit of your fault with such a ransom
Of honourable action, as my sister
Must of necessity confess her sufferings
• 71hf toldkr erowM ii tri/A.] Thb ia a moch better
rearfinc tli*p tbe topliiiticstkNi of tbe modem editors, the
Weigh'd down by your fidr merits ; and, when she
views you,
Like a triumphant conqueror, carried through
The streets of Sjrracusa, the glad people
Pressing to meet you, and the senators
Contending who shall heap most honours on you ;
The oxen, crown'd with garlands, led before you.
Appointed for the sacrifice ; and the altars
Smoking with thankful incense to the gods :
l*he soldiers chanting loud hynms to your praise.
The windows fill*d with matrons and with virgins.
Throwing upon your bead as you pass by.
The choicest flowers, and silently mvolong
The queen of love, with their particular vows.
To be thought worthy of you ; can Cleora
(Though, in the glass of self-love, she behold
Her best deserts) but with all joy acknowledge.
What she endured was but a noble trial
You made of her affection ? and her anger.
Rising from your too amorous cares*, soon drenched
In Lethe, ana forgotten.
LeotU If those glories
You so set forth were mine, they might plead for me ;
But I can lay no claim to the least honour
Which you, with foul injustice, lavish from her
Her beauty in me wrought a miracle.
Taught me to aim at thugs beyond my power.
Which her perfections purchased, and gave to me
From her free bounties ; she inspired me with
That valour which I dare not call mine own ;
And, from the fair reflexion of her mind.
My soul received the sparkling beams of courage.
Slie, from the magazine of her proper goodness,
Stock'd me with virtuous purposes ; sent me forth
To trade for honour ; and, she being the owner
Of the bark of my adventures, I must yield her
A just account of all, as fits a factor.
And, howsoever others think me happy.
And cry aloud, I have made a prosperous voynge,
One frown of her dislike at my return.
Which, as a punishment for my fault, I look for.
Strikes dead all comfort.
Timag, Tush ! these fears are needless ;
She cannot, must not, shall not, be so crueL
A free confession of a fault wins pardon.
But, being seconded by desert, commands it.
Tbe general is your own, and, sure, my father
Repents his harshness ; for myself, I am
Ever your creature. — One day shall be happy
In your triumph, and your marriage.
Least, May it prove so.
With her consent and pardon.
Timag, Ever touching
On that harsh string ! She is your own, and you
Without disturbance seize on what's your due.
[ExtunU
* RimngJ^om four too amorout cares.] The <dd eople*
read earn, which RceraB merely an error of the preat, for
care*. Coxcter, however, pnnied it ear«, which, beinc
without any meaning, was corrected at random by Mr. M.
Maaoo into fean. The correction was not amias; bat the
geanine word la owkmbtcdly that which I have givca.
106
THE BONDMAN.
[Act IV.
ACT IV.
SCENE I. — Syracuse. A Boom in Arcbidamus's
Houte,
Enter Pisandbr and Timakdra.
PiMiu She has ber health, then T
Timand. Yes, sir ; and as oflea
As I speak of you, lends attentive ear
To all that I deliver ; nor seems tired,
Though I dwell long on the relation of
Your sufferings for her, heaping praise on praise
On your unequall'd temperance, and command
You hold o'er your affections.
Pisati. To my wish :
Have you acquainted her with the defeature*
Of the Carthaginians, and with what honours
Leosthenes comes crown*d home with?
Timand, With all care.
Piian, And how does she receive it?
Tinuind. As I guess.
With a seeming kind of joy ; but yet appears not
Transported, or proud of bis happy fortune.
But when I tell her of the certain ruin
You must encounter with at their arrival
In Syracusa, and that death, with torments,
Must fall upon you, which you yet repent not.
Esteeming it a glorious martyrdom,
And a reward of pure unspotted love,
Preserved in the white robe of innocence,
Though she were in your power ; and, still spurr'd on
By insolent lust, you rather chose to suffer
Tne fruit untasted, for whose glad possession
You have call'd on the fury of your lord,
Than that she should be grieved, or tainted in
Her reputation
Pitan, Doth it work compunction T
Pities she my misfortune?
Timand. She ezpress'd
All signs of sorrow which, her vow observed.
Could witness a grieved heart. At the first hearing.
She fell upon her face, rent her fair hair,
Her hands held up to heaven, and vented sighs.
In which she silently seem'd to complain
Of heaven's injustice.
Pitan. *Tis enough : wait carefully.
And, on all watch 'd occasions, contwue
Speech and discourse of me : *tis time must work her.
Timand, I'll not be wanting, but still strive to
serve you. [Ext*.
Enter Poliphron.
PiMii. Now, Poliphron, the news ?
Poliph, The conquering army
Is within ken.
Piian. How brook the slaves the object?
Poliph. Cheerfully yet ; tliey do refuse no labour,
* Have iroM aeqtiainied her with the dereatarc] The mo-
dern editor* removed IbU word in favour of dtfeatt and,
doabUrsa, applauded tbeir labour ; it bappens, bo%»ever, aa
io moat c«sea where they have interpoaed, that they might
have aoarcd It altofether : for the words are the Mme, and
iiaed mdiacrimlnately by onr old writers : " Veqfaidep"
days Colcrave, " a d^eat, or dtfeatwre ;" and, in the second
Krt of ins dictionary, he verbally repeau the expUnatioo.
lere Is mnch strange conjecture on this word, in the last
act of The Comedy of Error*: I wonder that none of the
coromeatatora shtiuld light upon its meaning ; '
too simple for tbeir apprehension.
And seem to scoff at danger ; 'tis your presence
That must confirm them : with a full consent
You are chosen to relate the tyranny
Of our proud masters ; and what you subscribe to.
They gladly will allow of, or hold out
To the last man.
Pisan. I'll instantly among them.
If we prove constant to ourselves, good fortune
Will not, I hope, forsake us.
Poliph. Tis our best refuge. [ExtunU
I
-but it waa
SCENE l\.— Before the iniUf cf Syracuse.
Enter Timoleon, A rchidam vs, Diph ilvs, Lbostb ekfs,
TiMAOORAs. and eoUiert,
Timol. Thus far we are retum'd victorious ; crown'd
With wreaths triumphant, (famine, blood, and death.
Banish *d your peaceful confines,) and bring home
Security and peace. 'Tis therefore fit
That such as boldly stood the shock of war.
And with the dear expense of sweat and blood
Have I'urcbased honour, should with pleasure resp
The harvest of tlieir toil : and we stand bound
Out of the first file of the best deservers.
(I'hough all must be considered to their merits,)
To think of you, Leosthenes, that stand.
And worthily, most dear in our esteem.
For your heroic valour.
Archid. When I look on
The labour of so many men and ages.
This well-built city, not lone since design *d
To spoil and rapine, by the favour of
The gods, and you, their ministers, preserved,
I cannot, in my height of joy, but oner
These tears for a glad sacrifice.
Diph, Sleep the citizens?
Or are they overwhelm'd with the ezcett
Of comfort that flows to them?
Leoit. We receive
A silent entertainment.
Timag. I long since
Expected that uie virgins and the matrons.
The old men striving with their age, the priests.
Carrying the images of their gods before them.
Should nave met us with procession. — Ha! the gates
Are shut against us!
Archid. And upon the walls
Arm'd men seem to defy us !
Enter above^ on the Walk, Pisawder, Pgupbhoii,
CiMBRio, Gracculo, and the retU
Diph. I should know
These faces : they are our slaveoi
Timag. The mystery, rascals !
0))en tlie poru, and play not with an anger
That will consume you.
TimoL 1 his is above wonder.
Ardtid. Our bondmen stand against «s I
Grae. Some such things [tvm*d
We were in man's remembrance. The sbiTes are
Lords of the town, or so — nay, be not angry :
Perhaps, upon good terms, giving security
You will be quiet men, we mi^ allow you
Some lodgings in our garrets or oathousee:
Your great looks cannot carry it.
SCENS IL]
THE BONDMAN.
109
Cimb. The truth is,
WeVe been bold with your wives, tojr'd with your
daughters
LeotL O my prophetic soul !
Grac Rifled your chests,
Been busy with your wardrobes.
Timag. Can we endure this I
Least, Omy Cleora!
Grsc A caudle for the gentleman ;
Hell die o' the pip else.
Tvnag. Scorn d too! are yon tum*d stone?
Hold p&rley with our bondmen ! force our entrance.
Then, Tillains, expect
Tiiiw^ Hold ! you wear men's shapes.
And if, like men, you have reason, shew a cause
That leads you to this desperate course, which must
In your destruction. [end
Orae. That, as please the fates ;
But we Touchsafe Speak, captain.
Timag, Hell and furies !
ArehuL Bay'd by our own curs I
Cimb, Take heed you be not worried.
Palij^ We are sbiarp set.
Cimb. And sudden.
Pitan, Briefly thus, then.
Since I must speak for all ; your tyranny
Drew us from our obedience. Happy those times
When lords were styled fiuhers of families,
And not imperious masters! when they number'd
Their senrants almost eaual with their sons,
Or one degree beneath tnem ! when their labours
Were cherish'd and rewarded, and a period
Set to their sufferings ; when they did not press
Their duties or their wills beyond the power
And strength of their performance! all things or-
With such decorum as* wise lawmakers, [der'd
From each well-gorem'd private house derived
The perfect model of a commonwealth.
Humanity then lodged in the hearts of men,
«\nd thankful masters carefully provided
For c r eat u re s wanting reason. The noble horse.
That, in his fiery youth, from his wide nostrils
Neigh'd courage to his rider, and brake through
Groves of opposed pikes, bearing his lord
Sefe to triumphant victory; old or wounded.
Was set at liberty, and fn>«d from service.
The Athenian mules, that from the quarry drew
Marble, hew'd for the temples of the eods.
The great work ended, were dismiss'd, and fed
At tiM public cost ; nay, faithful dogs have found
Their sepulchres ; but man, to man more cruel.
Appoints no end to the sufferings of his slavo ;
Smoe pride stepp*d in and riot, and o'ertum*d
This goodly frune of concord, teaching masters
To gloiy in the abuse of such as are
Brought under tibeir command; who, g^wn un-
uaefiil.
Are less esteem*d than beasts. — This you have
practised,
Practised on us with rigour ; this hath forced us
I'o shake our heavy yokes off; and, if redress
Of these lust grievances be not granted us.
Well right ourselves, and by strong hand defend
What we are now possess'd of.
Grae, And not leave
One house unfired.
* ff'Uh mtk iaemwm at wfsr Is is w e Jb g n.] A$t in ihU
pusage, has the force of lAot. M. Masom.
Or nalwr there ii aa alUpUs of tkaXt aa Qm«l.
Cmh, Or throat uncut of those
We hare in our power.
PoUph, Nor will we fall alone ;
You shall buy us dearly.
Timag. O the gods !
Unheard-of insolence !
TimoL What are your demands ?
Pisan. A general pardon* first, for all offences
Committed in your absence. Liberty
To all such as desire to make return
Into their countries ; and, to those that stay,
A competence of land freely allottisd
To each man's proper use, no lord acknowledged ;
lastly, with your consent, to choose them wives
Out of your families.
Timag, Let the city sink first.
Leo$L And ruin seize on all, ere we subscribe
To such conditions.
Archid, Carthage, though victorious.
Could not have forced more from us.
Least. Scale the walls ;
Capitulate after.
TimoL He that wins the top first.
Shall wear a mural wreath. [£i«unf.
Pisan. Each to his place. [Flourish and alarms. f
Or death or victory ' Charge mem home, and fear
not. [Eieunt Pisander and Slaves.
Re-enter Timoleon, Arcmidamus. and Senators.
TimoL We wrong ourselves, and we are justlv
punish'd.
To deal with bondmen, as if we encounter'd
An equal enemy.
Ar^id. They fight like devils ;
And run upon our swords, as if their breasts
Were proof beyond their armour.
Re-enter Leosthenes and Timagoras.
Timag. Make a firm stand.
The slaves, not satisfied they have beat us off.
Prepare to sally forth.
TimoL They are wild beasts,
And to be tamed by policy. Each man take
A tough whip in bis hand, such as you used
To punish them with, as masters : m your looks
Carry severity and awe ; 'twill fright them
More than your weapons. Savage lions fly from X
The sight of fire ; and these, that have forgut
That duty you ne'er taught them with your swords.
When, unexpected, they behold those terrors
Advance d aloft, that tbey were made to shake at.
Twill force them to remember what they are,
And stoop to due obedience.
Archid. Here they come.
Enter f from the City, Cimbrio, Gbacculo, and other
Slaves,
Cimb. Leave not a man alive ; a wound's but a
To what we suffer'd, being slaves. [flea-biting
* Pisan. A general pardon, &c\ It is evident, m>m the
unreasonable nalare of these demands, that Pisander doe*
not wish them to be accepted. The last article, indeed, has
a reference to himself, Imt he icems desiroos of previonsl>
trying the fortune of arms. See, however, the next scene,
and his defence, in the last act.
* [FUntrUh and alarms.] Flonrish and arms, lays Mr. M.
Mason, after Coxeler. No degree of nonsense coold tempt
him to consult the old copies.
X Savage lions fyfirom, Ac.) A transient passion
for the antique has here seised the modern editors : they
print salvage lions, &c It it nnlnclilly a little roal-4-pro.
pofl, for the old copy reads as I have given iL (Omitted in
j Ed. 1813).
110
THK BONDMAN.
r Act IV,
Grac. O, my heart !
Cimbrio, what do we see ? the whip ! oor moAtem* 1
Ttmmg, Dare you rebel, slam !
[^The Senators thake their vokipi, the Slaves
throw away their weapons, and run off.
Cimb. Mercy ! mercy ! where
Shall we hide us from their fiiiy ?
Grac. Fly, they follow;
O, we shall' be tormented !
TimoL Enter with them.
But yet forbear to kill them: still remember
They are part of your wealth ; and being disarmed.
There is no danger.
Archid, Let us first deliver
Such as they have in fetters, and at leisure
Determine of their punishment.
Leost. Friend, to you
I leave the disposition of what's mine :
I cannot think I am safe without your sister,
She is only worth my thought ; and, till I see
What she has suffer*d, 1 am on the rack,
And furies my tormentors. lExeunt,
SCENE Xlh — Syracuse. A Room in Ascbidamuss
House,
Enter Pisander and Tim andra.
Pisan. I know I am pursued ; nor would I fly.
Although the ports were open, and a convoy
Ready to bring me off: the baseness of
lliese villains, from the pride of all my hopes,
Hath thrown me to the botiomless abyss
Of horror and despair : had they stood firm,
1 could have bought Cleora*s free consent
With the safety of her father's life, and brother's ;
And forced Leosthenes to quit his daim.
And kneel a suitor for me f.
Timand. You must not think [tised.
What might have been, but what must now be prac-
And suddenly resolve.
Pisan. All my poor fortunes
Are at the stake, and I must run the hazard.
Unseen, convey me to Cleora's chamber;
For in her sight, if it were possdble,
I would be apprehended : do not enquire
The reason why, but help me.
Timand. Make haste,— one knocks. [Exit Pisander,
Jove turn all to the best !
Enter Leosthenes.
You are welcome, sir,
Leost. Thou giv'st it in a heavy tone.
* Cimbrio, what do we me f the whip ! our maetert!] ** O
raoet Ume and impotent conclu»iun !" Surely Mauingcr
was not so strictly bound to the literal relation of this
foolish adventure, but that h« might have g\\vn ii a little
prr>bability, if it were only to maintain the decoram of his
action, and the interest of bis uiider-plot. He sometimes
deviates from his authorities with fewer prospecu of advan-
tage than were here opened to him.
t And hneel a tuitar for me.] This is the reading of all
the old copies, and is undoubtedly genuine ; yet the modern
cditore, by an obliquity of reasoning into which I cannot
enter, choose to Tar>- the expression, and print,
hneel a ntitor to me !
It it not evident " to any formal capacity," that Pisander
means, If my designs had succeeded, 1 would not only
have compelled Leosthenes to renounce his pretensions to
Cleora, but even to entreat her father and brother to give
her to me : what is there in this that requires alteration,
especially into nonsense t for Leosthenes conld have nothing
to ask of Pisander.
Timand. Alas! sir.
We have so long fed on the bread of sorrow.
Drinking the bitter water of afBictioos,
Made loathsome too by our continued fisare.
Comfort's a stranger to us.
Leott. Fears! your sufferings*:-^
For which I am so overgone with grief,
I dare not ask, without compassionate tears.
The villain's name that robb'd thee of thv boBOiir *
For being train'd up in chastity's cold sdiool.
And tsught by such a mistress as Cleora,
'Twere impious in me to think Timandra
Fell with her own consent.
Timand, How-mean you, fell, sir?
I understand you not.
Leost. I wotild thou did'st i^ot.
Or that I could not read upon thy face.
In blushing characters, the story of
Libidinous rape : confess it, for you stand not
Accountable for a sin, against whose strength
Your o'ermatch'd innocence eould make no resist*
Under which odds, I know, Cleora fell too, [anue ;
Heaven's help in vain invoked ; the anasfd sun
Hiding his face behind a mask of clouds.
Not daring to look on it ! In her sufferinga
All sorrows comprehended : what Timaadni,
Or the city, has endured, her loss oonsidar'd.
Deserves not to be named.
Timand. Pray you do not bring, air.
In the chimeras of your jealous fears,
New monsters to affright us.
Leost. O, Timandra,
That 1 had faith enough but to believe thee !
I should receive it with a joy beyond
Assurance of Elysian shaties hereafter.
Or all the blessings, in this life, a mother
Could wish her children crown'd with ; — ^bot 1 must
f 'redit impossibilities ; yet I strive [not
To find out that whose Knowledge is a curse.
And ignonmce a blessing. Cotne, discover
What kind of look he had that forced thy lady,
(Thy ravisher I will enouire at leisure,5
That when, hereafter, 1 behold a stranger
But near him in aspect, I may conclude,
Though men and angels shotild proclaim him honest.
He is a hell-bred villain.
Timand. You are unworthy
To know she is preserved, preserved untainted
Sorrow, but ill bestow 'd, hath only made
A rape upon her comforts in your absence.
Come forth, dear madam. [Leiufctii dasra.
Leost. Ha! [Kneek.
Timand^ Nay, she deserves
The bending of your heart ; that, to content yon.
Has kept a vuw, tho breach of which a Vestal,
Though the infringing it had call'd upon her
A living funeral, t must offeree hnve shrunk sL
No danger could compel her to dispense with
* Leoat. Fears ! your eufferinf .— ] The chararter ot
l<eo8thenet is everywhere preeerved with preat nicely. Hit
Jealous disposition brcalis out in this sceac with pcoditf
beauty,
t Though the infringing U had caU'd upon her
A living funeral. Sec] The poet alludes to the mammee \m
which the Vestals, who had broken their vow of cliaMicy.
were punislied. They had literally a liviitg fimermi, being
plunged alive into a subterraneous cavern, of which the
opening was immediately closed npi«n them, and walled ni
The confusion of countries and of customs may poasiny
strike the critical reader : but of this, a* I have dready ob-
served, our old dramatisu were not aware or aolici to m.
ScXNSni.]
THE BONDMAN.
Ill
h
Her cruel pemnce, though hot hrat came ami'd
To aeiie vpon.faer ; when one look or accent
Might hare redMai'd her.
Leo$t. Blight! O do not shew me
A heam of comfort, and straight take it iirom me.
The means hy which she was freed? speak, O speak
qoickly;
£ach minute of delay's an age of torment ;
speaks Timandra.
Timand, Free her from her oath ;
Herself can heat deliver it.
Leon, O hlest office ! [Unbir»d»h$reyei.
Never did galley-slaTe shake off his chains.
Or look'd on his redemption from the oar.
With such true feeling of delight as now
1 find myself possessed ot — Now I heboid
True light indeed ; for, since these iairest stars,
Cover*d with clouds of your determinate will,
Denied their influence to my optic stf^nse,
The splendour of the sun appear'd to me
But as some litUe ghmpse of his bright heams
Conveyed into a dungeon, to remember
The dark inhabitants there, how much they wanted*.
Open these long-shut lips, and strike mine ears
With music more harmonious thai* the spheres
Yield in their heavenly motions : and if ever
A true submission for a crime acknowledged,
May find a gracious hearing, teach your tongue.
In the first sweet articulato sounds it utters.
To sign my wish'd-fbr pardon.
CletK I forgive you.
IaoA How greedily I receive this ! Stay, best lady.
And let me hy degrees ascend the height
Of human happiness ! all at once deliyer*d,
The torrent of my joys will overwhelm me :—
So now a little more ; and pray excuse me,
If, like a wanton epicure, I desire
The pleasant taste these cates of comfort yield me,
Should not too soon be swallow'd. Have you not.
By your unspotted truth I do coniure you
To answer truly, suffered in your honour,
By force. I mean, for in your will I free you,
Smce I left Syracusa?
CUo. I restore
This kiss, so help me goodness ! which I borrow'd.
When I last saw you f.
Lsoft. Mirscle of virtue !
One pause more, I beseech you ; I am like
A man whose vitsl spirits consumed and wasted
With a long and tedious fever, unto whom
Too much of a strong cordial, at once taken,
Brings death, and not restores him. Yet I cannot
Fix here ; but must enquire the man to whom
I stand indebted for a benefit.
Which to requite at fiiU, though in this hand
I grasp all sceptres the world's empire bows to,
Tht dark inkabitaiU* there, how much they vantedA
In cki» mod besatiftal pasMge, remember is n»e(l inr cause
to remenber, is which lense it frcqaently ocean id oar old
writers. So Beumoot and Fletcher :
•• Ose. Do you remember
Her to come aAfcr yoo, that she may behold
Her dan^ter's charity ."~7^ Sea f oyage.
t Cleo. / retiere
ThH kite, §» krip megoodnemt which I borrow*d.
When i Uut eaw yoa.] Thb it a modest and a pretty
imiutfcm of Slukspetre :
** Now, by the Jeak>a« qneen of heaven, that kiss
I carried from thee, dear ; and my true lip
Hath virgia'd it e'er ^ee." — CerioUzmu.
Would leave me a poor bankrupt. Name him, lady ;
If of a mean estate. 111 gladly part with
My utmost fortunes to him -, but if noble.
In thankful duty study how to serve him ;
Or if of higher rank, erect him altars,
And as a jrod adore him.
Cleo, It that goodness.
And noble temperance, the queen of virtues.
Bridling rebellioiu passions, to whose sway
Such as have conquered nations have lived slaves.
Did ever wing great minds to fly to heaven,
He that preserved mine honour, may hope boldly
To fill a seat among the gods, and shake off
Our frail corruption.
Leost. Forward.
Cleo. Or if ever
The powers above did mask in human shapes
To teach mortality, not by cold precepts
For^t as soon as' told, but by exampUs,
To imitate their iiureness, and draw near
To their celestial natures, I believe
He*s more than man.
LAMt. You do describe a wonder.
CUo. Which will increase, when you shall under-
lie was a lover. [stand
I^eoit, Not yours, lady T
Cleo. Yes;
Loved me, Leosthenes ; nay more, so doted,
(If e*er affections scorning gross desires
May without wrong be styled so,) that he durst not
With an immodest syllable or look.
In fear it migiit take from me, whom he made
The object of his better part, discover
I was the saint he sued to.
Least. A rare temper* !
Cleo, 1 cannot speak it to the worth : all praise
I can bestow upon it will appear
Envious detraction. Not to rack you further,
Yet make the miracle full, though, of all men.
He hated you, Leosthenes, as his rival ;
So high yet he prized my content, that, knowing
You were a man I favour'd, he disdain'd not,
Againbt himself, to serve you.
Leost Y'ou conceal still
The owner of these excellencitts.
Cleo. *Tis Marullo,
My father's bondman.
Leott. Ha, ha, ha !
Cleo. Why do you laugh ? [praise
Leost. To hear the labouring mountain of your
Deliver'd of a mouse.
CUo. llie man deserves not
This scorn 1 can assure you.
Leost. Do you call
What was his duty, merit?
Cleo. Yes, and place it
As high in my esteem, as ail the honours
Descended from your ancestors, or the glory.
Which you may call your own, got in tliis action,
In which, I must confess, you have done nobly ;
And I could add, as 1 desired, but tliat
1 fear 'twould make you proud.
Leost. Why, lady, can you
Be won to give allowance, that your slave
Should dare to love you ?
Cleo. The immortal gods
* A rare temper t] The old copies read tempter : corrected
by Mr. M. Mason.
lis
THE BONDMAN.
(Act IV,
Accept the meanest altars*, that are raised
By pure devotions ; and sometimes prefer
An ounce of frankincense, honey or milk»
Before wbole hecatombs, or Sabaean gums,
Offer 'd in ostentation. — Are you sick
Of your old disease ? 1*11 fit you. [Agide.
Leott. You sef m moved.
CUo. Zealous, I grant, in the defence of virtue.
Why, good Leosthenes, though I endured
A penance for your sake, above example ',
I have not so far sold myself, 1 take it.
To be at vour devotion, but I may
Cherish desert in others, where I find it
How would you tyrannise, if you stood possess'd of
That which is only yours in expectation.
That now prescribe such hard conditions to me ?
Leost. One kiss, and I am silenced.
CUo, I vouchsafe it ;
Yet, I must tell you 'tis a favour that
ManiUo, when I was his, not mine own,
Durst not presume to ask : no : when the city
Bow'd humbly to licentious rapes and lust.
And when I was, of men and gods forsaken,
Deliver*d to his power, he did not press me
To g^race him with one look or syllable,
Or urged the dispensation of an oath
Made for your satisfaction : — the poor wretch,
Having related only his own sufferings.
And Inss'd my hand, which 1 could not deny him,
Defending me from others, never since
Solicited my fiivours.
Leoit. Pray you, end ;
The stoiy does not please me.
CUo. Well, take heed
Of doubts and fears ; — for know, Leosthenes,
A greater injury cannot be offer 'd
To innocent chastity, than unjust suspicion.
I love Marullo*8 fair mind, not his person ;
Let that secure you. And I here command you.
If I have any power in you, to stand
Between him and all punisbnt«>:;„, and oppose
His temperance to his folly ; if you £ul
No more ; I will not threaten. [E«f.
Leott, What a bridge
Of glass I walk upon, over a river
Of certain ruin, mine own weighty fears
Cracking what should support me ! and those helps.
Which confidence lends to others, are from me
Ravish'd by doubu, and wilful jealousy. [£a/t.
SCENE JV.'^Another Room in the Same.
Enter Timaooras, Cleon, Asotus, Corisca, and
Olympia.
CUon, But are you sure we are safe?
• Cleo. The limmorial gode
Accept the meaneet altare, 8ce.] MUioo's invocation on
the opening of Paradiae Loat, ia not anlilee this.
** And chiefly ihoa, O spirit," &e — CoxBTsa.
I cannot discover iDQch likenete in the two qnotationi;
the antbor had Horace in Mr thoughts :
Jmmunie aram at tetioit manue,
Non eumvtuoea bUmdior hoetia
Mottirit avereoM penata
Farre pUft ealiente mictt,
A beantlmi paiaace, whicl» the criUca. with Dacier and Sana-
don at their head, strangely maintain to be ironical. I
believe that Horace was perfectly sincere. T»ie les«on» of
piety are to cmisonant to human feelings that wry fre-
onently those who do not experience their fnll infloence
thi raselves, t •mesUy and honestly labour to impreaa ihem
opo« oOiers
Timag, You need not fear ;
They are all under guard, their fangs pared off :
The wounds their insolence gave yoo, to be cured
With the balm of your revenge.
Aeot. And shall I be
The thing I was bom, my lord 7
Timag. The same wise thing. [never
'Slight, what a beast they have made thee ! AMe
Produced the like.
Aeot. 1 think so : — nor the land [wilnuu.
Where apes and monkevs grow, like crabs and
On the same tree. Not all the catalogue
Of coniurers or wise women bound together
Could have so soon transform'd me, as mj rascal
Did with his whip ; for not in outside only.
But in my own b«lief, I thought myself
As perfect a baboon
Timag, An ass thou wert ever. [heart
Atot. And would have g^ven one leg, with aU my
For good security to have been a man
Af\er three lives, or one and twenty yean.
Though I had died on crutches.
CUon. Never varlets
So triumphed o'er an old fat man : I was fiunish'd.
Timag. Indeed you are fallen away.
Atot, Three years of feeding
On cullises snd jelly, though his cooks
Lard all he eats with marrow, or his doctors
Pour in his mouth restoratives as he sleeps.
Will not recover him.
Timag. But your ladyship looks
Sad on the manor, aa if you had miss'd
Your ten-crown amber possets, good to smooth
The cutis, ss you call it, and prepare yoo.
Active and high, for an afternoon s encouatBr
With a rough gamester, on your couch. Fie oo'l '
You are grown thrifty, smell like other women ;
The college of physicians have not sat.
As they were used, in council, how to fill
The crannies in your cheeks, or raise a rsmpirs
With mummy, ceruses, or infants' fint.
To keep off age and time.
Com. Pray you, forbear ;
I am an altered woman.
Timag, So it seems ;
A part of your honour's ruff stands out of rank too.
Coiit. No matter, 1 have other thoughts.
Timag. O strange !
Not ten days since it would have vex'd yoa
I'han the loss of vour good name : pity, this
For your proud itch came no sooner! Manr,
Seems to bear up still. [OlyMpis
Olymp. I complain not, sir ;
1 have borne my fortune patiently.
Timag, Thou wert ever
An excellent bearer ; so is all your tribsi.
If you may choose your carriage.
Enter Leosthenes and Pxphilus wA m Gtmrdm
Howi
Looks our Cleora lovely T
Leott, In my thoughts, sir.
Timag. But why &is guard!
Dipk, It is Timoleon's pleasu
llie slaves have been examin'd, and confes s
Their riot took beginning from your house ;
And the first mover of them to rebellion
Your slave Marullo. [Exeunt Diph, and Gm»d,
Leott, Ha ! I more than fear.
Timag, They may asareh bddlj.
ScenbL]
THE BONDMAN.
113
Enter TiVAifDRA, tpeaking to the Guard within,
Timand* Yon are uniiuumdr'd grooms
To pry into my lady's prirste lodgings ;
Thm s no Msnillos there.
Re-enter Diphilus, and Gvard with Pisandkb.
Tbdm^. Now I suspect too :
Where fonnd yon him ?
Diph, Close bid in your sister's chamber.
Tvmag. Is that the rillain's sanctuary ?
Leoft. This confirms
An she delirer'd, false.
Tvnag. But that I scorn
To rust my good sword* in thy slavisb blood,
Thou now wert dead.
Pitan. He's more a slave than fortune
Or misery can make me, that insults
Upon unweapon*d innocence.
Tvnag. Prate you, dog !
Piasn. Curs snap at lions in the toil, whose looks
Frighted them, being free.
JtiM^. As a wild beast.
Drive him before you.
Pitan, O divine Cleora !
Leoet. I^ar'st thou presume to name her 1 I
Pium, Yes, and love her ;
And may say, have deserved her.
Timag. Stop his mouth,
Load him with irons too.
[Exit Guard with Pitander.
Cleon. I am deadly sick
To look on him.
A tot. If he get loose, I know it,
I caper like an ape again : I feel
The whip already.
Timand. This goes to my lady. [Erit.
Timag, Come, cheer you, sir ', well urge his pun-
ishment
To the full satisfaction of your anger.
Least, He is not worth my thoughts. No comer
left
In all the spacious rooms of my vex'd heart.
But is fill'd with Cleora, and the rape
She has done upon her honour, with my wrong,
The heavy burtiien of my sorrow's song. {^Exettnt,
ACT V.
SCENE L— 7%s
A Ream in Archidamvs's
Haute.
Enter AncBiDAMVi and Clsora.
Ankid, Thou art thine own disposer. Were his
honours
And glories centupled, aa I must confess,
Leosuienes is most worthy, yet 1 will not,
However I may counsel, force affection.
Cleo, It neeos not, sir ; I prize him to his worth.
Nay, love him truly ; yet would not live slaved
To bis jealous humours : since, by the hopes of
heaven.
As I am free from violence, in a thought
I am not guilty.
Ar€kid, Tis believ'd, Cleora ; for't !
And much the rather, our great gods be praised
In that I find, beyond my hopes, no sign
Of riot in my house, but all things order'd,
As if I had been present
Cko. May that move you
To pi^r poor Marullo 1
ArAid. Tis my purpose
To do him all the good I can, Cleora ;
But this offence b«ng against the state,
Must have a public trial. In the mean time.
Be careful of yourself, and stand engaged
No further to Leosthenes, than you may
Come off with honour ; for, being once his wife.
You are no more your own, nor mine, but must
Resolve to serve, and suffer his commands.
And not dispute them :— ere it be too late.
Consider it duly. 1 must to the senate. [Erit.
Cleo. I am much distracted ; in Leosthenes
I can find nothing justly to accuse,
* Ta met mif good jw w r rf , Ac] Gaod^ which completes
the metre, is ooly fovnd in the first qoarto : Uie modern
editors 16 low the tceuad, which aboonds in simiUr ouii«-
siims, alfflosl beyond cndibUity.
But his excess of love, which I have studied
To cure with more than common means ; yet still
It grows upon him. And, if I may call
My sufferings merit*, I stand bound to think on
ManiUo's dangers ; though I save his life.
His love is unrewarded : — I confess,
Both have deserved me, yet of force must be
Unjust to one ; such is my destiny.
Enter Timandra.
How now ! whence flow these tears ?
Timand, I have met, madam.
An object of such cruelty, as would force
A savage to compassion.
Cleo, Speak, what is it ?
Timand, Men pity beasts of rapine, if o'ermatch'd,
Though baited for their pleasure ; but these mons-
I'pon a man that can make no resistance, [ters,
Are senseless in their tyranny. Let it be granted,
INIarullo is a slave, he's still a man ;
A capital offender, yet in justice
Not to be tortured, till the judge pronounce
His punishment.
Cleo, Where is he ?
Timand, Dragged to prison [spit on
With more than barbarous violence ; spurn *d and
By the insulting officers, his hands
Pmion'd behind his back ; loaden with fetters :
Yet, with a saint-like patience, he still offers
His fttce to their rude buffets.
CU», O my grieved soul !
By whose command ?
• My eufferingt mnHt.] So it stood' in evcr>- edition pic-
vioQs to thai or Mr. M. Mason, who reads, his wffer^ngt
merit. It i» evident that he mistoolc the sense of the pas-
sage. Three lines below, he reads, after Coxeter, indeed,
vet of force 1 tnutt /^.— the pronoun, wliich destroys both
the liiuasure and the rhyme, is not in the old copies : bat
these are not the only errors in this short speech, which
disgrace the modern editions.
I
114
THE BONDMAN.
[Act V
ji
Timand. It seems, my lord your brother's.
For he's a looker-on : and it takes from
Honoured Leostbenes, to snffer it,
For his respect to vou, whose name in rain
The grieved wretch loudly calls on.
Cteo. Bj Diana,
'Tis base m both ; and to their teeth III tell them
That I am wrong'd in*t. [Going ftrth.
Timand, What will you do 1
Cteo. In person
Visit and comfort him.
Timand. That will bring fuel
To the jealous fires which bum too hot already
In lord Leosthenes.
Cieo, Let them consume him !
I am mistress of myself. Where cruelty reigns,
There dwells nor love, nor honour. [Exit,
Timand. So ! it works.
Though hitherto I have run a desperate course
To serve my brother's purposes : now 'tis fit
Enter Leosthenes and Timaooras.
I study mine own ends. They come : assist me
In these my undertakings. Love's great patron,
As my intents are honest !
Leoit. Tis my fault* :
Distrust of otliers springs, Timagoras,
From di£Sdence in ourselves : but I w^ill strive,
With the assurance of my worth and merits.
To kill this monster, jealousy.
Timag, 'Tis a guest,
In wisdom, never to be entertain'd
On trivial probabilities ; but, when
He does appear in pregnant proofs, not fashion'd
By idle doubts and fears, to be received :
They make their own horns that are too secure.
As well as such as give them growth and being
From mere imagination. Though I prize
Cleora's honour equal with mine own,
And know what large additions of power
This match brings to our family, I prefer
Our friendship, and your peace of mind, so far
Above my own respects, or hers, that if
She hold not her true value in the test,
'Tis far from my ambition, for her cure
That you should wound yourself.
Timand, This argues for me.
• Leoct. *Ti» my fanlt :
JHttruMt qf others tpringt^ Timaaarat,
From diffidence in oureelvet:] My fault, i. e. mv mis-
fortune, lliat the word aucicutly had this meaning, I conld
prove by many examples ; one, however, will be (bought
tafiiciently decit^ive :
" Bawd. You arc lit into my hands, where yon are like
to live.
Marina. The more my fault.
To 'scape his hands, where I was like to die."
Pericles, Act. IV. sc. iii.
This too will ascertain, beyond a doubt, the meaning of
Shallow, which Stcevcns evidently mistoolc. and Mr. Ma-
lone delivered with some degree of hesitation :
*' Slen. How does your fallow greyhound, air ? I heard
say, he was out-run on Cotsale.
Page. It could not be judg'd, sir.
Sim. You'll not confess, you'll not confers.
Shal. That he will not;— 'tis you r/a«//, 'tis youryiiii/f .—
Tis a good dog."
Poor Slender it one of Job's comforters, as they say ; he
persists In reminding Page, who evidently dislikes the sub-
ject, of his defeat: hence the good-natured consolation of
Shallow: *' He needs not confess it, cousin; — you were un-
fortunate, sir; your loss must b< attributed to accident, for
your dog is a good dog."
Timag, Why she should be ao pauionate for a
bondman,
Falls not in compass of my understanding,
But for some nearer interest : or he raise
This mutiny, if he loved her, as, you say.
She does confess he did, but to enjoy.
By fair or foul play, what he ventured for.
To me's a riddle.
Leo$i. Pray you, no more ; already
I have answer d that objection, in my strong
Assurance of her virtue.
Timag. Tis unfit then.
That I should press it further.
Timand, Now I must
Make in, or all is lost. [Ru An forward dkitratitdljf.
Timag. W'hat would Timandra?
Leo$U How wild she looks ! How is it with thy
Timag. Collect thyself, and apeak. [lady?
Timand. As you are noble,
Have pity, or love piety *. — Oh I
Leott. Take breath.
Timag, Out with it boldy.
Timand. O, the best of *
I fear, is gone for ever.
Leott Who, Cleora?
Timag, Deliver, how ? 'Sdeath, be a man, air ! —
Speak.
Timand. Take it then in as many aighs as words.
My lady
Timag. What of her t
Timand. No sooner heard
MaruUo was imprison'd, but she fellj
Into a deadly swoon.
Timag. But she recover'd.
Say so, or he will sink too ; hold, air ; fie !
This is unmanly.
Timand. Brought again to lifit.
But with much labour, she awhile stood silaiit.
Yet in that interim vented sighs, as if
I'hey labour 'd, from the prison of her flesh.
To give her grieved soul freedom. On the snddeo.
Transported on the wings of rage and sorrow.
She Hew out of the house, and, unattended.
Entered the common prison.
Letat. This confirms
What but before I fear'd.
Timand. I'here you may find her;
And, if you love her as a sister
Timag, Damn her !
Ttmand. Or you respect her saCety as a lo^er.
Procure Marullo's liberty.
Timag, Impudence
Beyond expression I
Leoit. Shall I be a bawd
To her lust, and my dishonour ?
Timand, She'll run mad, else,
Or do some violent act upon herself:
My lord, her father, sensible of her safferinga.
Labours to gain his freedom.
Least. O, the devil !
Has she bewitch'd him too T
Timag. Til hear no more.
Come, sir, we'll follow her ; and if no persuasion
Can make her take again her natural form.
Which by lust's powerful spell she has cast oS,
This sword shall disenchant her.
* Have pity, or love piety. — ] So the old copies: th«
modern editoi-s, here, as almost evei^where else, corrapl
this last word, and feebly read, have pity, or Imw pity.
SCKNB II.]
THE BONDMAN.
115
J>ofl. O mj hecrt-strings !
[£xfuiit LeMthena and Timagorms,
Tbmmd, I knew 'twould take. Pardon me, fair
Cieora,
Though I appear a traitraas ; which thou wilt do,
In pity of my woes, when I make known
My lawful claim, and only seek mine own. [Exit.
SCENE Ild — A Priton. Pisandbr discovered in
^utint,
Enter Cleora and Gaoler.
Stay, unhind bis
[hands.
CUo. There's for your privacy,
GaoL I dare not, madam.
Ciiso. I will huy thy danger :
Take more gold : — do not trouble me with thanks,
I do suppose it done. [Exit Gaoier,
Piaan. My better angel
Assumes this shape to comfort me, and wisely ;
Since, from the choice of all celestial figures.
He could not take a risible form so full
Of glorious sweetness. [Kneelt.
Cleo, Rise. I am flesh and blood.
And do partake thy tortures.
Pimn, Can it be.
That charity should persuade you to descend
So far from your own height, as to vouchsafe
To look upon my sufferings ? How I bless
My fetters now, and stand engaged to fortune
For my captiri^ — no, my freedom, rather !
For who dare think that place a prison, which
You sanctify with your presence? or believe,
Sorrow has power to use her sting on him.
That is in vour compassion arm'd, and made
Impregnable, though tyranny raise at once
All engines to assault himi
Cko, Indeed virtue.
With which yon have made evident proofs that you
Are strongly fortified, cannot fidl, though shaken
With the shock of fierce temptations: but still
In spite of <^yposition. For myself, [triumphs
I may endeavour to confirm your goodness,
(A sare retreat, which never will deceive you,)
And with unfeigned tears express my sorrow
For what I cannot help.
Pifsii. Do you weM> for me!
0» save that pecious halm for nobler* uses :
I am unworthy of the smallest drop.
Which, in your prodigality of pitv.
You throw away on me. Ten of these pearls
Were a large ransom to redeem a kingdom [geance.
Prom a oonsuminf^ pl^^e, or stop heaven^ ven-
CalPd down by crying sms, though, at that instant.
In dreadful flashes falling on the roofs
Of bold blaaphemers. I am justly punish'd
For my intent of violence to such pureness ;
And ail the torments flesh is sensible of,
A soft snd g^tle penance.
Cleo. Which is ended
In this your free confession.
Enter LEOtraxNis and TiniooRAs behind.
LeoH. \¥hat an object
Have I encountered !
• O mve ikatprrdeaehaimjifr nobler ion:] Xobier i»
the reediDf of the Ant qurto, ind b evidently right.
, Coxttcr sad Mr. M. M atoa, foDow the lecond, which bai
Timag. I am blasted too :
Yet hear a little further.
Pimn, Could I expire now, [thus.
These white and innocent hands closing my eyes
Twere not to die, but in a heavenly dream
To be transported, without the help of Charon,
To the Elysian shades. You make me bold ;
And, but to wish such happiness, I fear.
May g^ve offence.
CUo, No ; for believe it, Marullo,
You've won so much upon me, that I know not
That happiness in my gift, but you may challenge.
Leoit. Are you yet satisfied 1
Cleo, Nor can you wish
But what my vows will second, though it were
Your freedom first, and then in me full power
To make a second tender of myself.
And you receive the present By this kiss.
From me a virgin bounty*, I will practise
All arts for your deliverance ; and that purchased.
In what concerns your further aims, I speak it.
Do not despair, but hope
[Timagara$ and Leosthetiet comefartcard.
Timag, To have the hangman,
When he is married to the cross, in scorn
To say, Gods give you joy !
Leost. But look on me.
And be not too indulgent to your folly ;
And then, but that g^ef stops my speech, imagine
What language I should use.
Cleo. Against thyself.
Thy malice cannot reach me.
Timag, How?
Cleo, No, brother.
Though you join in the dialogue to accuse me :
What 1 have done, I'll justify ; and these favours.
Which, you presume, will taint me in my honour.
Though jealousy use all her eyes to spy out
One stain in my behaviour, or envv,
As many tongues to wound it, shall appear
My best perfections. For, to the world,
I can in my defence allege such reasons.
As my accusers shall stand dumb to hear them :
When in his fetters this man's worth and virtues.
But truly told, shall shame your boasted glories.
Which U>rtune claims a share in.
Timag.'' The base villain
Shall never live to hear it. [Draws his sword.
Cleo, Murder! help!
Through me you shall pass to him.
Enter Archidamus, Dipbilus, and Officers.
Archid. What's the matter?
On whom is your sword drawn ? Are you a judge ?
Or else ambitious of the hangman's ofHce,
Before it be design'd you ? You are bold, too ;
Unhand my daughtej'.
Leott. She's my valour's prize. [urge
Archid, With her consent, not otherwise. You may
Your title in the court ; if it prove good.
Possess her freely. Guard him safely off too.
Timag, You'll hear me, sir ?
Archid, If you have aught to say.
Deliver it in public ; all ahall find
A just judge of Timoleon.
• Bp thie ki»$.
From me a virgin bounty,] Meaning, 1 prerame, to
PiMUidcr ; for she had given one to Leosthenes before.
I3
116
THE BONDMAN.
[Act V.
Dipk. You must
Of force now use your patience.
[Exeunt all but Tinutgorus and Leosthenes,
Timag, Venjreance rather!
Whirlwinds of rage possess me : you are wrong'd
Beyond a stoic suft'erance ; yet you stand
As you were rooted.
Least, I feel somethinf^ here,
That boldly tells roe, all the love and service
I pay Cleora is another's due,
And therefore cannot prosper.
Tirmig, Melancholy ;
Which now you must not yield to.
Least. 'Tis apparent :
In fact your sister's innocent, however
Changed by her violent will.
Timag, If you believe so,
Follow the chase still ; and in open court
Plead your own interest : we shall find the judge
Our friend, I fear not.
Least, Something I shall say,
But what
Timag, Collect yourself as we walk thither.
[Eieunt.
SCENE llh-^-The Court of JusHee.
£«ter TiaioLEON, Archidamus, Cleora, an^ Officers.
Timal, Tis wonderous strange! nor can it fall
The reach of my belief, a slave should be [within
The owner of a temperance which this age
Can hardly parallel in ireebom lords.
Or kings proud of their purple.
Archid, Tis most true ;
And, though at first it did appear a fable.
All circumstances meet to give it credit ;
Which works so on me, that I am compelled
To be a suitor, not to be denied.
He may have equal hearing.
Clea, Sir, you graced me
With the title of your mistress* ; but my fortune
Is so far distant from command, tliat I
Lay by the power you gave me, and plead humbly
For the preserver of my fame and honour.
And pray you, sir, in charity believe.
That since I had ability of speech.
My tongue has been so much inured to truth,
I know not how to lie.
TimoL 111 rather doubt
The oracles of the gods, than question what
Your innocence delivers ; and, as far
As justice and mine honour can give way.
He shall have favour. Bring him in unbound:
[Eieunt Officers,
And though Leosthenes may challenge from me.
For bis late worthy service, credit to
All things he can allege in his own cause,
Marullo, so, I think, you call his pame,
Shall find I do reserve one ear for him.
• C:«». Sir you graced me
H'ith the title oj your tnistrru;] Thi» allades to the re-
qneat in the tnt act, (hat he iiiieht be penniUcd to wear
her colours, lu those ilnyi nf gallantry, I mean those of
MuMin^cr, not certainly, thosrof TiinokoD,to wear a lady's
colonrs, that la, a scarf, o. a riband, ralccn from her person,
was to become htr authorised champion and servant.
Enter Cleom, Asotus, Diphilus, Olympia, and
CORISCA.
To let in mercy.
The right of thi
Sit, and take your places ;
lis fair virgin first determined.
Your bondmen shall be censured*.
Clean, With all rigour.
We do expect.
Coris. Temper 'd, I say, with mercy.
Enter at one door, Leosthenfs and Timagoras ; at
the other, Officers with FiSASDEStaud Timanora.
Timol. Your hand, Leosthenes : I cannot doubt,
You, that have been victorious in the war.
Should, in a combat fought with words, come off
But with assured triumph.
Least, My deserts, sir,
If, without arrogance, I may style them such,
Arm me from doubt and fear.
TimoL 'Tis nobly spoken.
Nor be thou daunted (howsoe'er thy fortune
Has mark'd thee out a slave) to speak thy merits :
For virtue, though in rags, may challenge more
Than vice, set off with all the trim of greatness.
Pisan, I had rather fall under so just a judge.
Than be acquitted by a man corrupt
And partial in his censure.
Archid. Note his language ;
It relishes of better breeding than
His present state dares promise.
Tiimtl. I observe it.
Place the fair lady in the midst, that both.
Looking with covetous eyes upon the prize
They are to plead for, may, from the rair objeeC,
Teach Hermes eloquence.
Least, Am I fallen so low ?
My birth, my honour, and what's deiiest to me.
My love, and witness of my love, my service.
So undervalued, that I must contend
With one, where my excess of glory must
Make his overthrow a conauest? SliaU my fulnesa
Supply defects in such a tning, that never
Knew any thing but want and emptiness.
Give him a name, and keep it such, from this
Unequal competition % If my pride.
Or any bold assurance of my worth.
Has pluck'd this mountain of disgrace upon me,
I am' justly punish 'd, and submit; but if
I have been modest, and esteem'd myself
More injured in the tribute of the praise.
Which no desert of mine, prized by self-love.
Ever exacted, may this cause and minute
For ever be fogotten. I dwell long
Upon mine anger, and now turn to you,
Ungrateful fair one ; and, since you are such,
'Tis lawful for me to proclaim myself.
And what I have deserved.
Cleo. Neglect and scorn
From me, for this proud vaunt.
Least, Vou nourish, lady,
Your own dishonour in this harsh reply,
And almost prove what some hold of your sex ;
You are all made up of passion : for, if reason
Or judgment could find entertainment with you.
* Your bondmen shall be censured.] i. e. Jodf;cd. To
prevent the necessity of recurriuf; to this word, abont whidi
luore than siifticient has been written, it may be proper to
observe, that onr ancestors o.«oti oeiuure precisely aa we now
do judgment : sometimes for a quality of the mind, and
souiclluies for a Judicial determination.
SCENB III.]
THE BONDMAN.
117
Or that Yoa would distingniah of the objects
You look on, in a true glass, not seduced
By the false light of your too violent will,
1 should not need to plead for that which you
With joy should offer. Is my high birth a blemish 1
Or does my wealth, which all the vain expense
Of women cannot waste, breed loathing in you ?
The honours I can call mine own, thought scandals?
Am I deformed, or, for my father's sins.
Mulcted by nature? If you interpret these
As crimes, 'tis fit I should yield up myself
Most miserably guilty. But, perhaps,
( Which yet I would not credit,) you have seen
Hiis gallant pitch the bar, or bear a burthen
Would crack the shoulders of a weaker bondman ;
Or any other bouterous exercise.
Assuring a strong back to satisfy
Your loose desires, insatiate as the grave
Cieo. You are foul-mouth 'd.
ArdutL Ill-manner'd too.
Lemt. 1 speak
In the way of supposition, and entreat you.
With all ue fervour of a constant lover.
That you would free yourself from these aspersions.
Or any imputation black-tongued slander
Could throw on your unspotted virgin whiteness :
To which there is no easier way, than by
Vouchsafing him your favour, — ^him, to whom.
Next to the general, and the gods and fautors*.
The countrv owes her safety.
Timag, Are yon stupid ?
'Slight, leap into his arms, and there ask pardon —
Oh ! vou expect your slave's reply ; no doubt
We soaU have a fine oration : I will teach
My soaniel to howl in sweeter language.
And keep a better method.
Ankid, You forget
The dignity of the place.
DyJk. Sueoce!
TtmeL PTo Piwiu2er.] Speak boldly.
Piwn. ^is your authority gives me a tongue,
I Bhoold be dumb else ; and I am secure,
I cannot clothe my thoughts, and iust defence.
In such an abject phrase, but 'twill appear
Equal, if not above my low condition.
I need no bombast language, stolen from such
As make nobility from prodigious terms
The hearers understand not ; I bring with me
No wealth to boast of; neither can I number
Uncertain fortune's favours with my merits ;
1 dare not force affection, or presume
To censure her discretion, that looks on me
As a weak man, and not her fancy's idol.
How I have loved, and how much I have suffered.
And with what pleasure undergone the burthen
Of my ambitious hopes, (in aiming at
The glad possession of a happiness.
The abstract of all goodness in mankind
Can at no part deserve,) with my confession
Of mine own wants, is all that can plead for me.
But if that pore desires, not blended with
• Nexi'to the gmtral, ami the goia and fiintora,] So read
Udk tlw inurtos: the modero editors not knowing what to
make oT Mr §odM arndfaimton, (which, in the laugiiage of
Ike aathor, mcsBi the fowmring gods), accommodate the
tine lo ihdr own conceptions with woadroos facility, and
Naxt to the gemerait
Alasl far Mimayr.
amitoikegoie.
Foul thoughts, that, like a river, keeps his course,
Retaining still the clearness of the spring
From whence it took beginning, may be thought
Worthy acceptance j then I dare rise up,
And tell this gay man to his teeth, I never
Durst doubt her constancy, that, like a rock,
Beats off temptations, as that mocks the fury
Of the proud waves ; nor, from my jealous fears.
Question that goodness to which, as an altar
Of all perfection, he that truly loved
Should rather bring a sacrifice of service.
Than raze it with the engines of suspicion :
Of which, when he can wash an i£thiop white,
Leosthenes may hope to free himself;
But, till then, never.
Timag, Bold, presumptuous villain !
Piian, I will go further, and make good upon him,
I' the pride of all his honours, birth, and fortunes.
He's more unworthy than myself.
LeosU Thou liest. [decided,
Timag. Confute him with a whip, and, the doubt
Punish him with a halter.
Pi$un. O the gods !
My ribs, though made of brass, cannot contain
My heart, swollen big with rage. The lie ! — a' whip !
Let fury then disperse these clouds, in which
I long have march'd disguised* ; [7%roiM off hU
ditguite.'i that, when they know [horror
Whom they have injured, they may faint with
Of my revenge, which, wretched men, expect.
As sure as fate, to suffer.
LeosU Ha! Pisander!
Timag. 'Tis the bold Theban !
Atot. There's no hope for me then :
I thought I should have put in for a share.
And borne Cleora from them both ; but now
This stanger looks so terrible, that I dare not
So much as look on her.
Piian, Now as myself.
Thy equal at thy best, Leosthenes.
For you, Timagoras, praise heaven you were bom
Cleora's brother, 'tis your safest armour.
But I lose time, — The base lie cast upon me,
I thus return : Thou art a perjured man.
False, and perfidious, and hast made a tender
Of luve and service to this lady, when
Thy soul, if thou hast any, can bear witness.
That thou wert not thine own : for proof of this.
Look better on this virgin, and consider.
This Persian shape laid by X, and she appearing
In a Greekish dress, such as when first you saw her.
If she resemble not Pisiinder*s sister.
One caird Statilia ?
Leost. 'Tis the same ! my guilt
So chokes my spirits, I cannot deny
My falsehood, nor excuse it,
Pisan. This is she.
To whom thou wert contracted : this the lady.
That, when thou wert my prisoner, fairly taken
* Let fury then ditperte these clouds in which
I long have march'd disguised ;] The old copies read
mask'd; bu( this »eeiiis su anworihy of the anlhor, that I
have not scrupled to place the other word (march'd) in the
text. I believe Mas*iiiger had the first i£neid in his
thonghts.
t This Persian shape taid Ay,] I. e. this Persian dress ;
a term borrowed from the tiring-room ot the theatres. In
the list of dramatis personse preftxe«l to the ^'irgin-Martgr,
Harpax is said to be, ** an evil spirit, following Theopbilus
in the shape (habit) of a secretary."
118
THE BONDMAN.
[Act V.
In the Spartan war, that beg^g'd thy liberty,
And with it gave herself to thee, ungrateful !
Statu. No more, sir, I entreat you : I perceire
True sorrow in his looks, and a consent
To make me reparation in mine honour ;
And then I am most happy.
Pisau. The wrong done her
Drew me from Thebes, with a full intent to kill thee :
But this fair object met me in my fury.
And quite disarmed me. Being denied to have her.
By you, my lord Archidamus, and not able
To live far fiora her ; love, the mistress of
AH quaint devices, prompted me to treat
With a friend of mine, who, as a pirate, sold me
For a slave to you, my lord, and gave my sister
As n present to Cleora.
TimoL Strange meanders !
Pisan, There how I bare myself, needs no relation ;
But, if so far descending from the height
Of my then flourishing fortunes, to the lowest
Condition of a man, to have means only
To feed my eye with the sight of what I honour 'd ;
The dangers too I underwent, the sufferings ;
The clearness of my interest ; may deserve
A noble recompense in your lawful favour ;
Now 'tis apparent tliat Leosthenes
Can claim no interest in you, you may please
To think upon my service.
Cleo, Sir, my want
Of power to satisfy so great a debt,
IVIakes me accuse my fortune : but if that
Out of the bounty of your mind, you think
A free surrender of myself full payment,
1 gladly tender it.
Archid, With my consent too,
All injuries forgotten,
Timag, I will study,
In my future service, to deserve your favour.
And good opinion.
Leoit, Thus I gladly fee
This advocate to plead for me. [Kiising Statilia,
Pisan. You will find me
An easy judge. When 1 have yielded reasons
Of your bondmen's falling off from their obedience,
Then after, as you please, determine of me.
I found their natures apt to mutiny
From your too cruel usage, and made trial
How for they might be wrought on ; to instruct you
To look with more prevention and care
To what they may hereafter undertake
Upon the like occasions. The hurt's little
They have committed, nor was ever cure
But with some pain effected. I confess.
In hope to force a grant of foir Cleora,
I urged them to defend the town against you :
Nor had the terror of your whips, but that
I was preparing for defence elsewhere.
So soon got entrance* : in this I am guilty ;
Now, as you please, your censure.
TimoL Bring them in ;
And, though you've given me power, I do entreat
Such as have undergone their insolence.
It may not be offensive though I study
• j\or had the terror ^f your whipa, but that
I UHU prrparing for d^'rnce efM^ohere,
A'o toon got entrance :] 1 uiii pi a^ed with thi^', because it
loukv MS if the author was tensiDle of the improbability of
the circuiiiM«uce. It is), indeeti, the only detective part of
this beautii'nl story.
Pity, more than revenge.
Cons, Twill best b^ome you.
Cleoti. I must consent.
Asot. For me, I'll find a time
To be revenged hereafter.
Enter Gracx:ulo, Cimbrio, Polipbhon, Zanthu,
and the rest, with Italters about their necks.
Grac, Give me leave ;
111 speak for all.
TimoL What canst thou say, to binder
The course of justice?
Grac, Nothing. — You may see
We are prepared for hanging, and confess
We have deserved it : our most humble suit is.
We may not twice be executed.
TimoL Tvt-ice!
How mean'st thou 1
Grac, At the gallows first, and after in a ballad
Simg to some villanous tune. There are ten-grobt
rhymers
About the town, mwn fat on these occasions.
Let but a. chapel fall, or a street be fired*,
A. foolish lover bang himself for pure love.
Or any such like accident, and, before [made.
They are cold in their graves, some damn'd ditty*8
Which makes their ghosts walk. — Let the state take
For the redress of this abuse, recording [order
Twas done by my advice, and, for my part,
I'll cut as clean a caper from the ladder.
As ever merry Greek did.
TimoL Yet I think
You would shew more activity to delight
Your master for a pardon.
Grac. ! I would dance
As I were all air and fire. ^Capers^
TimoL And ever be
Obedient and humble ;
Grac, As his spaniel.
Though he kick'd me for exercise ; and the like
I promise for all the rest.
• Let but a chapel fall, or a street be fired, Ac] There
is much good humour, as well as truth, in these remarks.
They are, it roust be confessed, strangely out of time, and
still more strangely out of place ; but the readtra of oar okl
dramatists must be prepared to overlook these anomaliea.
Much of the wit, and more, perhaps, of the interest, of
our old dramas, is irretrievably lost through our ignorance
of collateral circumstances. A thousand temporary allu-
sions are received with indifference, or perhajM escape us
altogether, which excited the strongest sensations of pleasure
and pain in the bosoms of our ancestors. This play was
performed for the first time, December 3, lOU ; and on the
24th of October, in the same year, a diapel, or, as the con-
tinuafor of Stow calls it, a chamber fell down ** In Huns-
don House, in the Black Pryar>, where was assembled above
three hundred men, women, and youths, to hear a Romane
Cathulicque priest preach, in which fall was slaioe the
preacher, and almost one hundred of his auditory, and well
nigh as many more hurt." Immediately aHer this, follows
an article oi firing a street. "Wednesday, the i3th of No-
vember, 1023, one of the warehouses of Sir W. Cockayne,**
(a name familiitr to Massinger,) " knight, alderman of Lon-
don, in Broad Street, took /re in the evening, and ceased
not till two o' the clock the next rooming, in which space
it burnt his whole bouse, and ihree of his neighbour's honscs,
to the great danger and damage of many neere inhabiUnts,"
SLC—Innales, p. 1035, ed. 1031.
These apposite references, for which I am indebted to
Mr. Gilchrist, prore, I think, that the tragical events in
Gracculo's speech were not the suggestions of f^ncy. The
foolish lover, who hung himself /or oi«r» love, was, perhaps,
beneath the notice of the Chronicler; but I suspect that,
if we could have recourse to the d d dittiee of the day,
we should find his melancholy story to be no leas real Chan
the other unfortunate occurrences.
Scene III.]
THE BONDMAN.
119
TimoL Rise then, yoa have it
All the Slaves. Timoleon ! Timoleon !
TimoL Cease these clamours.
And now, the w«r being ended to our wishes.
* If usingcr never writes with nore effect, than when he
combines his own fancy with somewhat of real history. In
this case, the reader will not expect that tlie history should
proceed in a rcgnlar order, or without the admission of fo.
reign incidents, or that it should maintain to the end, the
commanding interest with which it begins. It is enough
fbr Maieinger, if be can secure attention at the outset,
through the remembrance of som« important event, and
if, under cover of this, he can prepare the part which jma-
gination is to supply. It is on these principles he has
proceeded in The Bomdnumt and produced a piece which,
with 1 few exceptions, ik at once stately and playful, im-
pressive and tender. He matures the love, under cover of
the history ; till at length the interest changes, and the his-
tory becomes subordinate fo the love.
The charKters are drawn with much variety and interest ;
tlie nodett gravity and self command of Timoleon well
agree with the ancient descriptions of the man, fh>m whose
month niAtf wif wmi bteoiema, neque gloHoemn exiU; and
onr admiration of the heroic Pisandcr, who rannot appear
in hii proper character till towards the conclni^on, is skijik
fttUy excited by eariy notices, apparently incklental, of his
grnt powers of body, his laneuage, sentiments, &c, far
above his snppoaed condition. His signal temperance, the
dwnn which wias the pore Cleora, is well contrasted with
tke nareasonaUe distrnat and Jealoosy of Leostbenes, who,
however, observes, with much self-complacency, while he
mars hb own happiness by liis impatience, that women have
bat Uttle judgment, and are mosdv made up of passion I It
may be remarked here, that MaMlnger seems fond of punish-
ing his men for nndne sospicions ami alarms in matters of
knre ; and that this it one of the methods he takes to exalt
the character of hii females, and to exhibit, as in Cleora,
the eomplets ascendency of chastity over Jealousy. Other
marks of hb accustomed management appear in this play.
He is food of fulfilling expressions in a sense not intended
by the speakers. Timagoras unconsciously says, that Pi-
Sander was " bought for his sister's service ;" and Archi-
damns bids him treat her with particular *' care and reve-
rence," the very circumstance which gains her affections.
In The Dmhe ef Milam too, Sforxa and Marcelia wish that,
after a life of unvaried happiness, " one grave may receive
them ;" and thev are bnrlcd together, after she has fallen
bj hla hand. H« ia food of reierviog some injured person,
And such as went the pilgrimage of love,
Happy in full fruition of uieir hope,
'Tis lawful, thanks paid to the powers dirine.
To drown our cares in honest mirth and wine.
[Exeunt^*
whose late appearance may Justify what has been done, and
hasten the conclusion of tlie plut. He reserves Statilia
for the sake of vindicating Pisauder, and reminds us of 'Bn-
eenia, whose wrongs explain the vengeance of Francisco.
He is also fond of thiowing bis k>vers into difficulties, by
confessing their attachment, while those who are interested
in opposing ft, listen from behind. Cleora precipitates her
expressions of kindness for Pisander, that her family mav
be enraged at the discovery. And a similar contrivance will
by and by strike the reader, in the plot of 7%e Renegado,
where Donusa and Vitelli are overheard by Asambeg and
Mnstapha.
The ludicrons characters are not without their merit,
always excepting the licentiousness which stains them ; licen-
tiousness, however, which, fortnnately, is neither spirited
nor attractive. The slaves turned masters, *' fret their hour"
in their new dignity with becoming insolence. It b a fine
stroke of nature which Plantos has given to one of his
slaves : suddenly growing rich, and laying the plan of his
future enjoyments, he determines to have slaves of his
own: ^
dowmm irutrwuHf aarump tedee^ mancipia.
Rudent, Act. IV. sc ii.
If Massinger is to be suspected of political allusions, this
play betravs him. The character of Gisco the admiral does
not suit him, but agrees very weU with the Doke of Buck-
ingham :
" a raw young fellow, """
One never train'd in arms, but rather fashlon'd
To tilt with ladies' lips, than crack a lance," &c.
The " green heads that determine of the stale over their
cups," &c., were now in possession of all power, and playing
their wildest schemes. And towards the end of the reign
of James, (the date of this play,; it might well be aaid, by
the friends to the safety of their country :
" in this plenty
And fat of peace, your young men ne'er were traln'd
In martial dtsctpline ; and your ships unrigg'd.
Rot iu the harbour."
One of those friends of his country was Massinger : and it
is hardly possible to point out, in any writer, ancient or
modern, a finer strain of patriotism amidst the public dan-
ger, than that which animates the last scene of the first act
I)B. iBII^aMO.
THE RENEGADO.
Tri Rrkeoado.] This tngi-comedy, for so Massing^ tenna it, appears from the office-book of the
master of the revels, to hare been first produced on the stage, April 17th, 1694 : it was not given to the
public till several years after, — ^the entry in the stationers' register bearing date March 6th, 1 699-30.
The story, though wild and extravagant, is not all, perhaps, invention ; the pirates of Tunis and Algiers
ravaged the northern coasts of the Mediterradean at pleasure ; and the Spanish and Italian writers of
those days are full of adventures similar to this before us ; some of which were undoubtedly founded in
fact
The language and ideas of this play are strictly catholic ; notwithstanding which, it seems to have been
a favourite with the public ; and even the modest author speaks of its merits with some degree of compla-
cency. It was not, however, reprinted.
It is said, in the title-page, to have been *' often acted by the queen's Jmajesties servants, at the private
play-house in Drury Lauc. After the death of Queen Anne, in 1618, (as Mr. Malone informs me,) the
players at this house were called, the Lady ElitabeOCt servanUy (i. e. James's daughter, then married to the
Paisg^ve,) although she was not in England : but afker the marriage of Charles, they took the name of the
queen's Mervants ; L e. of Henrietta Maria. The denomination, therefore, in the title-page of the old play,
alludes to the time of its publication, and not to that of its " allowance ;" when, as appears from the first
edition of The Bottdman, 1694, the players were still in possession of the former appellation*
TO THE RIGHT BOKOURABLB
GEORGE HARDING,
BARON BERKELEY, ;0F BERKELEY CASTLE, AND KNIGHT OF THE:
HONOURABLE ORDER OF THE BATH*.
My Good Lord,
To be honoured for old nobility, or hereditary titles, is not alone proper to 3ronr8elf, but to some f«w of joar
rank, who may challenge the like privilege with you : but in our age to vouchsafe (as you have often done)
a ready hand to raise the dejected spirits of the contemned sons of the muses ; such as woold not soffier the
glorious fire of poesy to be wholly extinguished, is so remarkable and peculiar to your lordship, that with a
mil vote and suffrage, it is acknowledged that the patronage and protection of the dramatic poem is yoara,
and almost without a rival. I despair not therefore, but that my ambition to present my service in this kind,
may in your clemency meet with a gentle interpretation. Confirm it, my good lord, in your g^racious acoept-
ance of this trifle ; in which, if I were not confident there are some pieces worthy the perusal, it should
have been taught an humbler flight ; and the writer, your countryman, never yet made happy in your notice
and favour, htn not made this an advocate to plead for his admission among such as are wholly and ainceraly
devoted to your service. 1 may live to tender my humble thankfulness in some higher strain ', and till then,
comfort myself with hope, that you descend from your height to receive
Your honour's commanded servant,
PHILIP MASSINGER.
* He WHS made « kDight of the iMth at the creation of Gharlc», Prince of Wales, November 4;, 1616; three yesrt after
he tocceeded hU grandfather, Henry, eleventh Lord Berkeley.
Scnfxl.]
THE RENEGADO.
121
DRAMATIS PERSONiE.
AsAjiBSG*, viceroy tf Tunis,
MusTAPBA, hailka of Aleppo,
VrnELU, a V9nnia,n gentUman,
dugtdttd at a mtr^ntf
Fbancuco, a Jtmit,
AirroNio Gumaldi, tJu Rene-
gado,
Caraue, an fwradk,
Gazxt, ifnMNt to Vitelli,
A|;a.
ilefofv' JVoMMi.
John Blanye.
John Sumner.
Mich. Bowyer.
Wm. Reigxialds.
Wm. Allen.
Wm. Robins.
E(l« Sbakerley.
ActOT^ JVIflB
Capiaga.
Janizaries.
Master.
Boatswain.
Sailors.
A Gaoler.
Turks.
D0NU8A, niece to Amurath,
Paulina, tister to Vitelli,
Manto, ttrvant to Donusa.
SCENE, Tunis.
Ed. Rogers.
Theo. Bourne.
ACT I.
SCENE I^— j1 Street near ike Bazar.
Enlsr ViTXLU, and Gazet.
ViuL You luiTe hired a shop, then ?
Gaz, Ym, sir ; and our wares,
Though brittle as a maidenhead at sixteen,
Are 9m unladen ; not a crystal crack'd.
Or china dish needs soldering ; our choice pictures,
As they came from the workman, without blemish :
And I hsTe studied speeches for each piece,
And, in a thrifty tone, to sell them off.
Will swear by Mahomet and Termagantf,
That this is mistress to the great Duke of F16rence,
That, nieoe to old King Pepin, and a Uiird,
An Austrian princess by her Roman nose,
Howe'er my conscience tells me they are figures
Of bswds and common courtezans in Venice.
VUoL You make no scruple of an oath, then ?
Gaz. Fie, sir!
Tit out of my indentures ; I am bound there
To swear for my master's profit, as securely
As your intelligencer t must for his prince.
* Or, SI we ihoQld now uy, HoMmm Be^r '
t wm ommr fty Mahmmt mud Termagant.] Dr. Percy,
ia lib remarks on the ancient ballad of Kittg Ettmeret
anjs, that Termagant U the name given by the aothora of
Chie old romances 10 the god of the Saracens : and as he was
Cenerally r s p res en ted as a very farions being, the word
tcnnafant was applied to any person of a tnrbnlent out-
ragcoM disposition, thoogh at present it b appropriated to
tlw female sex. 11. Mason.
I have retained a part of this note, though there is little
ia it. Onr leakNu ancestors, who were somewhat of Sir
Andrew's way of thinking, and cordially disposed to beat
tile Tnrics like dogs, for being Mahoinedans, innocently
diargcd tlwm with deities whom they never acknowledged.
Tttrmagani, whether derived from the Saxon, or (whiciC in
this case, is nearly the same), flrom the Latin, cannot pos*
ribly IMS a Saracenic divinity ; the word was orininslly nsed,
I suppose, as an attribute of the Supreme Being of the
Saxons, a people little less odions to oor romance writers,
than iIk Saracens, and sometimes confounded with them.
1 I am bound there
To ewear/or «qr maeter'e prt(/ltf ae teatrelp
At t/emr imtettigeneer, ftc] Here is, probably, an allusion
to the cclebnitcd definition of an ambassador, by Sir Henry
Woctua : ** An honest man appointed to /y» abroad for the
good of his eoantnr,**— « definition} by the bye, which cost
him deer ; fbr Sir Henry, not satisfied with entertaining hb
That sends him forth an honourable spy.
To serve his purposes. And if it be lawful
In a Christian shopkeeper to cheat his father,
I cannot find but to abuse a Turk
In the sale of our commodities, must be thought
A meritorious work.
ViteL I wonder, sirrah.
What's your religion ?
Gaz, Troth, to answer truly,
I would not be of one that should command me
To feed upou poor John*, whenl see pheasants
And partridges on the table : nor do I like
The other, that allows us to eat flesh
In Lent, though it be rotten, rather than be
Thought superstitious ; as your zealous cobler.
And learned botcher preach at Amsterdam,
Over a hotchpotchf. I would not be confined
In my belief: when all your sects and sectaries
Are erown of one opinion, if I like it
I will profess myself, — ^in the mean time.
Live I in England, Spain, France, Rome, Geneva,
I'm of that country's faith.
Viul. And what in Tunis?
Will you turn Turk here?
countrymen, would needs translste his wit into Latin, for
the amusement of foreigners. Lpe, which was then the
term for lodge or dwell, made a tolerable pun ; bat nunfteis-
dttm, into which it was turned, had neither humour nor
ambiguity in it, and sorely scandalized the corps diplo-
matic.
* To feed upon poor John,] Poor John, Mr. Malonesays,
b hake, dried, and falted.
f OS tfour tealout cobler
And teamed botcher preach at Anuterdam,
Over a hotchpotch.] The religions troubles of Holland, in
the 16lh century, arose principally ftom the Anabaptists.
There was an insnrrectien at Amsterdam, headed by a tailor,
a disciple of John of L«yden (the Munster king), himself
a uilor: but, indeed, the toleration lAlowed to religions
sects of all denominations, bad, about this time, filled Am-
sterdam with fanatics Hnom every country in Europe. To
this aggrei^ation of sealots, there are perpetual allusions in
our old writers. Thus Shirley ; " Well, if I live, I wUl to
Amsterdam, and add another schism to the two hundred,
four score, and odd." Gentleman qf Venice. And Bean
mont and Fletcher : " I am a schoolmaster, sir, and would
fain confer with you about erecting four new sects of reli-
gion at Anuttrdam,'* The Fair JUaid nf the Inn,
in
THE RENEGADO.
[Act I.
Gat, No : SO I should lose
A collop of that part my Doll enjoin 'd me
To bring home as she lef^ it : *tis her Tenture,
Nor dare I barter that commodity,
Without her special warrant.
ViteL You are a knave, sir :
Leaving your rogueiy, think upon my business,
It is no time to fool now. [time
liemember where you are too : though this mart-
We are allow'd free trading, and with safety,
Temper your tongue, and meddle not with the Turks,
Their manners, nor religion.
Gaz, Take you he«d, sir, f there landed
What colours you w^ear. Not two hours since.
An English pirate's whore, with a green apron*.
And, as she walked the streets, one of their muftif.
We call them priests at Venice, with a razor
Cuts it off, petticoat, smock and all, and leaves her
As naked as my nail ; the young fry wondering
What strange beast it should be. I scaped a
scouring
My mistresses busk point, of that forbidden colour.
Then tied my codpiece; Had it been discover'd
1 bad been caponed.
ViuL And had been well served.
Haste to the shop, and set my wares in order,
I will not long be absent.
Got. Though I strive, sir,
To put off melancholy, to which you are ever
Too much inclined, it shall not hinder me.
With my best care, to serve you. [ExiU
Enter Francisco.
ViteL I believe thee.
O welcome, sir! stay of my steps in this life,
And guide to all my blessed hopes hereafter, [per'd?
What comforts, sir? Have your endeavours pros-
Have we tired fortune's malice with our sufferi ngs?
Is she at length, after so many frowns.
Pleased to vouchsafe one cheerful look upon us ?
Fran» You give too much to fortune and your
passions.
O'er which a wise man, if religious, triumphs.
That name fools worship ; and those tyrants, which
We arm against our better part, our reason.
May add, but never take from our afflictions.
Vitel, Sir, as I am a sinful man, I cannot
But like one suffer.
Fran. 1 exact not from you
A fortitude insensible of calamity, [shownf
To which the saints themselves have bow'd, and
They are made of flesh and blood ; aU that I chal-
lenge
Is manly patience. Will you, that were train'd up
In a religious school, where divine maxims.
Scorning comparison with moral precepts.
Were daily taught you, bear your constancy's trial.
Not like Vitelli, but a village nurse,
With curses in your mouth, tears in your eyes ? —
How poorly it shows in you.
ViteL I am sohool'd, sir.
And will hereafter, to my utmost strength.
Study to be myself.
- toith a green i^ron.) It ihoold be olMervcd,
that this colonr is approprlaled solely to the descendants
of Mahomet. To "land at Tanis," or any other town
professing the Mahometan religion, in a green dress, at
this day, would perliaps cost the unwary stranger his life.
t and shown,]. So the old cony : the modem edi-
tors read, a$id ahow.
Fran. So shall you find me
Most ready to assist you ; neither have I
Slept in your great occasions : since I left you,
I have been at the viceroy's court, and press 'd
As far as they allow a Christian entrance :
And something I have leam'd, that may concern
The purpose of this ioumey.
ViteL Dear sir, what is it?
Fran, By the command of Asambeg, the viceroy.
The city swells with barbarous pomp and pride,
For the entertainment of stout Mustapha,
The basha of Aleppo, who in {terson
Comes to receive ttie niece of Amurath,
The fair Donusa, for his bride.
ViuL 1 find not
How this may profit us.
Fran, Pray you give me leave.
Among the rest that wait upon the viceroy.
Such as have, under him, command in Tunis, '
Who, as you've often heard, are all false pirates,
I saw the shame of Venice, and the scorn
Of all good men, the perjured Rxnboado,
Antonio Grimaldi.
ViteL Ha ! his name
Is poison to me.
Fran. Yetagaitil
Vitel, 1 have done, sir.
Fran, This debauch'd villain, irhom we ever
thought
(After his impious scorn done in St Mark's,
To me, as 1 stood at the holy altar)
The tbief that ravish'd your fair sister horn you.
The virtuous Paulina, not long since.
As I am truly given to understand.
Sold to the viceroy a fair Christian virgin ;
On whom, maugre his fierce and cruel nature,
Asambeg dotes extremely.
ViteL 'Tis my sister:
It must be she, my better angel telb me
'Tis poor Paulina. Farewell all disguises !
Ill show, in my revenge, that I am noble.
Fran, You are not madi
ViteL No, sir ; my virtuous anger
Makes every vein an artery ; I feel in me
The strength of twenty men ; and, beinv aim'd
With my good cause, to wreak* wrong'df innocenoe,
I dare alone run to the viceroy's court.
And with this poniard, before his &oe.
Dig out Grimaldi's heart
Fran, Is this religious 1
ViteL Would you have me tame now? Can I
know my sister
Mew'd up in his seraglio, and in danger
Not alone to lose her honour, but her soul ;
The hell-bred villain by too, that has sold both
To black destruction, and not haste to send him
To the devil, his tutor? To be patient now,
Were, in another name, to play the pander
To the viceroy's loose embraces, and crv aim f !
While he, by force or flattery, compels her
To yield her fair name up to bis foul luBt,
And, after, turn apostata to the faith
That she was bred in.
Fran. Do but give me hearing,
* to wreak iorong*d hmocenot,] L e. to revenge ;
so in 7'he Fatal Dowry.
" But there's a heaven above, from whose Jiiat i
No misu of policy can hide offenders."
f and cry aim t] See (Atf r '
Scene II.]
THE R£N£GADO.
1«3
And you shall soon grant bow ridiculous
This childisli fur^ is. A irise man never
Attempts impoasibilitiea; 'tis as easy
For any single arm to quell an army.
As to effect your wishes. We come hither
To learn Paulina's fate*, and to redeem her :
Leave your revenge to heaven : I oft have told you.
Of a relief that I gave her, which has power,
If we may credit holy men*s traditions,
To keep the owner free from violence :
This on her breast she wears, and does preserve
The virtue of it, bv Tier daily prayers.
So, if she fall not by her own consent.
Which it were sin to think, I fear no force.
Be, therefore, patient; keep this borrowed shape,
TiU time and opportunity present us
With some fit means to see her ; which perform'd
111 join with you in any desperate course
For her delivery.
ViuL You have charm'd me, sir,
And I obey in all things : pray you, pardon
The weakness of my passion.
Fran. And excuse it.
Be cheerful man ; for know that good intents
Are, in the end, crown'd with as fair events.
[Exeunt
SCENE ll^^A Room in Dokusa's Palace.
Enter Dovusa, BIavto, and Carazib.
Don. Have you seen the Christian captive,
The gpneat basha is so enamour 'd of?
ManL Yea, an it please your excellency,
I took a full view of her, when she was
Presented to him.
Don. And ia ahe such a wonder.
As 'tis reported ?
Mont, She was drown'd in tears then.
Which took much from her beauty ; yet, in spite
Of sorrow, she appear'd the mistress of
Most ^are perfections ; and, though low of stature.
Her well-proportion'd limbs invite affection :
And, whttk she speaks, each syllable is music
That does enchant the hearers : but your highness^.
That are not to be parallell*d, I yet never
Beheld her equal.
Dm. Come, you flatter me ;
Bat I forgive it. We, that are bom great.
Seldom distaste^ our servanta though they give us
More than we can pretend to. I have heard
That Christian ladies live with much more freedom
• To team Paulbta't fiite.] The old copy reads faith;
f be aluratioo, whieh seems Jadicioos, was made by Mr. M.
Mason.
t iqfl kme toldpou
Cf a rdie thai 1 gave her, &c. J I have already observed,
thai the language of this play is catholic ; the idea, how-
ever, of the power of relics, in the preservation of chastity,
may be fovod in many vMl romances and books of knigbt-
erraotry, which were andonbtedly familiar to Masffinger.
X hat four A^Amsw,] i. e. escept yoar highness,
&c. In the next line, the modem editors had so trans-
posed tlie words, as to make it downright prose: it is now
reformed.
^ We, thai are horn greai,
SHdam distaste our aervanie though they give u$
More thorn we eon pretmd to.] i. e. dieUke; in which
sense the word frequently occurs. Thus Shirley, in the
epilogue to Love ws a Maze :
" be de>lres that yon
Sboohl not dUtaete Us m«se, becauie of kte
TraasplaBtcd,*' Ike
Than such as are bom here. Our jealous Turks
Never permit their fair wives to be seen,
But at the public bagnios, or the mosques.
And, even then, veil'd and guarded. Thou, Carazie,
Wert bom in England ; what's the custom there,
Among your women 1 Come, be free and merry :
I am no severe mistress : nor hast thou met with
A heavy bondage.
Car. Heavy ! I was made lighter
By two stone weight, at least, to be fit to serve you.
But to your question, madam ; women in England,
For the most part, live like queens. Your country
Have liberty to hawk, to hunt, to feast, [ladies.
To give free entertainment to all comers.
To talk, to kiss ; there's no such thing known there
As an Italian girdle. Your city dame.
Without leave, wears the breeches, has her husband
At as much command as her 'prentice ; and, if need
Can make him cuckold by her father's copy« [be,
Don. But your court lady ?
Cor. She, I assure you, madam.
Knows nothing but her will ; must be allow'd
Her footmen, her caroch*, her ushers, pages,
Her doctor, chaplains ; and, as I have heard,
They're grown of late so learn'd, that they maintain
A strange position, which their lords, with all
Their wit, cannot confute.
Don, What's that, I prithee ?
Car, Marry, that it is not only fit, but lawful.
Your madam there, her much rest and high feeding
Duly consider'd, should, to ease her husband.
Be allow'd a private friend : they have drawn a bill
To this good purpose, and, the next assembly.
Doubt not to pass it.
Don. We enjoy no more.
That are o' the Othoman race, though our religioa
Allows all pleasure. I am dull : some music
Take my chapinesf off. So, a lusty strain.
[A gaUiardm Knocking within.
Who knocks there?
[Manto goes to tite door, and retumt,
Mant, 'Tis the basha of Aleppo,
Who humbly makes request he may present
His service to you.
Don, Reach a chair. We must
Receive him like ourself, and not depart^ with
One piece of ceremony, state, and greatness.
That may beget respect and reverence
In one that's bom our vassal. Now admit him.
Enter Mustapiia ; he puts off his yellow pantofles.
Musta. The place is sacred ; and I am to enter
The room where she abides, with such devotion
As pilgrims pay at Mecca, when they visit
The tomb of our great prophet. [Kneeltt
* Her Jbotment her carocht her uehera, pagee,] If the
reader would have a pruniising specimen of what can be
doue by a nice ear, in editing an ancient poet, let him cast
an eye on this line, as it stands in Coxeter, and Mr. M.
Mason:
Her footmen, her coach, her uehere, her pages,
tum-tl-ti, tum-titi, ftc.
t Take my chapines off.] Chapinee (Spanish, and not
Italian, as the commentators on Shaksf^are assert) are a
kind of clogs with thick cork soles, which the ladies wear
on their shoes when they go abroad.
X and not depart with, &c.] To depart and part
were anciently synonymous. Thus Jouson :
" He that departs with liis own honesty
For vulgar praise, doth it too dearly buy." Epig. ii.
Dim, KiB« ; tlie sign
l^Carttiie taket up tht panUtflet,
Tbat we vouchsafe jOQr prea^iice.
MujfUt Mny those powers
That miiisd the Otlicman empire, and still guard tt,
Reward your highness for this gjacious fBvour
You throw u}>on rour servaut ' It bath pleased
The most iiiviiKMbU^ mightiest Amurath,
(To speak his other titles would take from him
That in himst'ir does romprebend aJl greatness^)
To mMke uie the unwortiiy instrument
Of his comraaQd^ Receive, divinest ladv,
[Dflivfrt a Ittier,
This letter, sijcn'd hj his victorious hand,
And made sutlieutit; by the im|ierial seaJ. [you
There, when you find me mention 'd, far be it Jrom
To think it my ambiiion to prfsume
At such a happiness, which his f)owerful will.
From liift irreai mind*9 mngnificence, not ray merit,
Hath shower'd upon me. But, if your consent
Join with his gomi opinion and ullowance^
To perfect what bis favours have be|j^un,
I alinil, in my ohsequioujiiieiis and duty,
Endear our* to prev^ent all just complaints,
Wbieh want of will to serre you may «dl on me,
Don, His sacred majesty write* here, thai your
yaloiir
A^in^t the Persian hath so won upon him,
llmt there*a no grace or honour in his ^fl,
Of which he can imagine you unworthy ;
And, what's the greatest you cun hope, or aim at,
It is his pleasure you should he received
Into hia royal ftimilv — ^provided,
For *o far 1 am uncontinetL that I
Affect and like your person. I eJtpect not
The ceremony which he uses m
Bestowing of hit« dau^'hters and his nieces :
As Uiat he should present you for my slave,
To love you, if you pleased me ; or deliver
A poniard, on my least dislike, to kdl yuu.
Such tyranny and pride agree not witii
My softer disposition. Let it suflice,
For my first answer, that thus far 1 grace you :
[Gireg him her hand to kifU
HereaAer, some time epent to make enquiry
Of the good p«trts and nictilties of your miud,
\'ou sliall hear further &om me.
MmUi. Though all torments
Really sufier'd, or in helJ imMgined
By curious fiction, in one hotir^ij delay
Are wholly comprehended ; I conf«?as
That 1 stand bound m duty, not to check at
Whatever vou command, or please to impose.
For trial ot my patience*
Don, Let us lind [me ;
Some other subject ; too mach of one tlieme cloys
Is't a full mart ?
Muiia* A confluence of all nations
Are met together : tljere's variety, toOj
Of alt thot mercbanls traffiq for.
Don, 1 know not —
* / »hall in mif ohtt^autntM* and dttty^
EmteavoKTt Sic] Tlib, a ltd what (uUuw*, Arc prrtty cor-
rt'ct iptciincii* vt \hc nianiivr iii if^tilcli tliv great uHieL-re uf
ihe ■!■(« Ate atill pHid to pay tlivir a(1(1rr*)»c» lo ttie |jrln-
tr'M'^i iif llie iiiincriNt famUy. Th« A%t of MAiij»in};er prt*-
fliK'fft mnny v.*»n\ hutoru's uf i)ic Tiirk.*: lie foUuvti ttivm,
tiuwtvcr, bj' ttnfli *»Ay, *or in ijuiie of hi» pWyn air Ihc
ntiinncr* v( dilfvreal cvaalrlcii lo uttai^cd aad ci^uftmudiMl
•* III l^li.
I feel a virgin's longing to descend
So far from my own gTeatnes&, as to be.
Though not a buyer, yet a looker on
Their strange commodities,
Mmtit, If without a train,
Ynu dare be seen abroad. Til dismiss mine,
And wail upon you as a cottimon man,
And stitisfy your wishes.
Don. 1 embrace it.
Provide my veil ; and, at the postern gale,
Convey us out unseen. 1 trouble you.
Musia, It i& my hajipiness you deign to command
me. ^ lEi€UHt,
aUcing
SCENE llh^ne Bam.
Gakt in hit Shop; pRAsasco cud VrrELU i
hi,.
Gnz. What do you lack I Your choice China
dishes, your pure \'eiietian crystal of all sorts, of
all neat and new fashions, from the mirror of tJte
madam, to tlie priirate utensil of her chambermiud ;
and curious pictures of the rarest beautieB of Europe :
What do you lack, gentlemen I
h'ran. Take heed, I say ; howe'er it may appear
Impertinent, 1 must expre.'^s my love,
My advice, and counsel. Vou Br*" younif, Vitelli*,
And may be tempted \ »nd theae Turkish dnmes,
("Like English mai^tifTs, that increase their fierceness
iJy being: cliain'd up,) from tlie restraint of freedom,
llf lust once fire their hlood from a fair object.
Will run a course tlu- fiends themselves wouLd shake
To enjoy their wanton ends, [at,
VittL Sir, you mistake me i
I am too full of woe, to entertain
One thought of pleasure, though all Kuro|»e*a queens
KneelM at my feet, and courte^d me ; much less
To mix with such, whose difference of faith
Must, of necessity, (or 1 must gmnt
Myself neglectful of all you have luught me,^
Strfnigle such base desires.
Fran, lie constant in
lljat resolution ; Til abroad Sfrain,
And learn, as for as it is possible,
What mny concern Paulina. Some two hours
Shall bring me b»rk. [E^(^
ViuL All blessings wtiit upon you f
Gm. Cold doings, air; a mart do you call thisi
slight !
A puddingwife, or a witch with n thrum cap,
That sells ale underground to such as come
To know tlieir fcirtunes in a dead vactttion^
Hare ten to one more stirring.
VittL We must he patient.
Gd5. Your seller by retail ought to be angry,
But when be'a fingering money.
Eiiltfr GfiiiSALOtj Master, Boatswain, Sailors, and
Turks-
VihL Here ore company^
Defend me. my good angel, 1 behold
A basilisk I
Gas. What do you lack 1 whet do you lack ! pur«
China dishes, clear crystal glasses, a dumb oustresa
to make love to \ What do you lack, geatlenum T
■ - - - Ymi arrycMng, ViiplU,] 1 bsv* aikled ibc n«inr,
which lecfii* to li»v« rlru^t oQt at Uie y^rvf, lo conipleic tW
I
Scene III.]
THE RENEGADO.
1«5
Grim, Thy mother for a bawd ; or, if thoa hast
A handsome ooe, thy sister for a whore ;
Without these, do not tell me of your trash.
Or I shall spoil your market.
ViteL ^Old Grimaldi* ! [stand
Grim, 'Zounds, wherefore do we put to sea, or
The raging winds, aloft, or p upon
The foamy waves, when they rage most ; deride
The thunder of the enemy's shot, board boldly
A'merchant's ship for prize, though we behold
The desperate gunner ready to give fire.
And blow the deck up ? wherefore shake we off
Those scrupulous rags of charity and conscience.
In rented only to keep churchmen warm,
Or feed the hungry mouths of famish 'd beggars ;
But, when we touch the shore, to wallow in
All sensual pleasures ?
Matt, Ay, but, noble captain.
To spare a little for an after-clap,
Were not improvidence.
Grim, Hang consideration !
When this is spent, is not our ship the same.
Our courage too the same, to fetch in more ?
The earth, where it is fertilest, returns not
More than three harvests, while the glorious sun
Posts through the zodiac, and makes up the year :
But the sea, which is our mother, (that embraces
Both the rich Indies in her out-stretch*d arms,)
Yields every day a crop, if we dare reap it.
No, no, my mates, let tradesmen think of thrift.
And nsurers hoard up ; let our expense
Be as our comings in are, without bounds.
We are the Neptunes of the ocean.
And such as traffic shall pay sacrifice
Of their beat lading ; I will have this canvass
Your boy wears, lined with tissue, and the cates
You taste senr'd up in gold : — Though we carouse
'll>e tears of orphans in our Greekish wines,
The sighs of undone widows pajring for
The music boueht to cheer us, ravish 'd virgins
To slavery sold, for coin to feed our riots.
We will have no compunction.
Gaz, Do you hear, sirl
We have paid for our ground.
Grim. Hum!
Gaz, And hum too !
For all your big words, get you further off.
And hinder not the prospect of our shop.
Or .
Grim. What will you do 1
Gaz. Nothing, sir, — ^but pray
Your worship to give me handseL
Grim, By the ears.
Thus, sir, by the ears.
Moii. Hold, bold !
Vittl YouTl still be prating [whore.
Grtm. Come, let's be drunk ; then each man to his
'Slight, how do you look ! you bad best go find a
comer
To pray in, and repent : do, do, and cry j
It will shew fine in pirates. [Eiit.
Mast, We must follow.
Or he will spend our shares.
Boattw. 1 fought for mine.
Matt, Nor am I so precise but I can drab too :
We will not sit out for our parts.
• Old Grhmaidit] So the qnirto. 1 rappote the li-
censer here Uld bit tnad opoa loinc hmrmleM ioterjeciion :
the nest lockily escaped him.
Boattw, Agreed. [^Exeunt Master, Boattw., Sailors.
Gaz. The devil gnaw off his fingers ! If he were
In London, among the clubs, up went his heels
For strikiug of a 'prentice*. What do you lack ?
What do you lack, gentlemen ?
1 Turk, I wonder how the viceroy can endure
The insolence of this fellow.
2 Turk. He receives profit
From the prizes be brings in ; and that excuses
Whatever he commits. Ha ! what are these ?
Enter Mustapha, and Dokvsa veiled.
1 Turk. They seem of rank and quality ; observe
them.
Gaz. What do you lack ? see what you please to
buy;
W'ares of all sorts, most honourable madona.
Vitel, Peace, sirrah, make no noise ', thes^ are not
To be jested with. [people
Don, Is this the Christians' custom.
In the venting their commodities ?
Miista. Yes, best madam.
But you may please to keep your way, here's nothing
But toys and trifles, not worth your observing.
Dim. Yes, for variety's sake : pray you, shew us.
[friend,
[mirror
Here is a
The chiefest of your wares.
Vitel. Your ladyship's servant ;
And if, in worth or title, you are more,
My ignorance plead my jmrdon !
Dim. He speaks well.
Vitel. Take down the looking-glass.
Steel'd so exactly, neither taking from
Nor flattering the object it returns
To the beholder, that Narcissus might
(And nether grow enamour'd of himselQ
View hii fair feature in't.
Don, Poetical too !
Vitei. Here China dishes to serve in a banquet,'
Though the voluptuous Persian sat a guest.
Here crystal glasses, such as Ganymede
Did fill with nectar to the Thunderer,
When he drank to Alcides, and received him
In the fellowship of the gods ; true to the owners f:
• Ifhewere
in London, among the dnbs, up went hit heels.
For striking of a 'prentice.^ The police of the city seems
to have been wretchedly coodacted at this time, when pri-
vate injories were left to private redress, and pablic brawls
composed by the interference of a ^iddy rabble. Every
house, at least every shop, was furnished with bludgeons,
with which, on the slightest appearance of a fray, the in-
habitants armed themselves, and rushed in swarms to the
scene of action. From the petulance of the young citiiens,
who then mixed little with the gentry, and the real or af-
fected contempt in which the latter professed to hold them,
subjects of contention were perpetually arising: the city
signal for reinforcements, was a cry of ** clubs, dubsl"
and the streets were instantly filled with armed apprentices.
To this curious system of preserving the peace, our old
dramatists have frequent allusions. Thus, in Declcer's
Honest Whore, where a mercer is struck, his servant ex-
claims : " 'Sfoot, clidts! clubs! 'prentices, down with them I
ah yon rogues, «trikc a citizen in his shop!" Again, in
Green's Tu Quoque, Staines says :
" Sirrah ! by your outside you seem a ct'fiMA,
Whose coxcomb I were apt enough to break.
But for the law. Go, you're a praUng Jack ;
Nor Is't your hopes of cnring out for chtbs,
Can save you from my chastisement."
f Here crystal glasses true to the owners, &c.] This,
and what follows, is a correct account of the notion once
entertained, respecting the etfect of poison on Venice glasses ;
a circumstance which wonderfully increased their value. It
may be added, that the chief manufactory for glass was at
tbis time in the vicinity of that city. Mr. Gilchrist informs
me, from Stow, that ** the first making of Venice glasses in
If6
THE RENEGADO.
[Act
^
Corinthian plate, studded with diamonds,
ConcealM oft deadly poison ; this pure metal
So innocent is, and faithful to the mistress
Or master that possesses it, that, rather
Than hold one drop that's venomous, of itself
It flies in pieces, and deludes the traitor.
Don, How movingly could this fellow treat upon
A worthy suhject, that finds such discourse
To moe a trifle !
Vitel, Here's a picture, madam ;
The masterpiece of Michael Angelo,
Our great Italian workman ; here's another,
So perfect at all parts, that had Pygmalion
Seen this, his prayers had heen made to Venus
To have given it life, and his carved ivory image
By poets ne'er rememher'd. They are, indeed,
The rarest beauties of the Christian world,
And no where to be equall'd.
D(m» You are partial
In the cause of those you favour ; I believe
I instantly could shew you one, to theirs
Not much inferior.
Vitel. With your pardon, madam,
I am incredulous.
Don, Can you match me this? {.Lifts her veil,
ViteL What wonder look I on ! I'll search above.
And suddenly attend you. [Exit,
Don, Are you amazed ?
I'll bring you to yourself. [Throws down the glasses,
Musta, Ha ! what's the matter ?
Gat, My master's ware !— We are undone ! — O
strange!
A lady to turn roarer, and break glasses* !
'Tis time to shut up shop then.
Musta, You seem moved.
If any language of these Christian dogs
Have call'd your anger on, in a frown shew it.
And they are dead Siready,
Hon. The oflTenoe
Looks not 80 far. The foolish paltry fellow
Shew'd me some trifles, and demaMKd of me.
For what I valued at so many aspers,
A thousand ducats. I confess he moved me ;
Yet I should wrong myself, should such a beggar
Receive least loss from me.
Musta, Is it no more 1
Don, No, I assure you. Bid him bring his bill
To-morrow to the palace, and enquire
For one Doousa ; that word gives him passage
Through all the g^ard : say, there he shall receive
Full satisfaction. Now, when you please.
Musta, I wait you. [Exeunt Musta. and Don*.
1 Turk, We must not know them. — Let's shift
off, and vanish. [Exeunt Turks,
Gat. The swine's-poz overtake you ! there's a curse
For a Turk, that eats no hog's flesh.
Re-enter Vitklu.
Vitel, Is she gone ?
Gaz, Yes : you may see her handiwork;
VUel. No matter.
Said she ought else ?
Gaz, That you should wait upon her,
And there receive court payment ; and, to pass
The guards, she bids you only say you oome
To one Donusa.
Vitel, How ! Remove the wares ;
Do it without reply. The sultan's niece !
I have heard, among the Turks, for any lady
To show her face bare, argues love, or spean
Her deadly hatred. What should I fear? my fortune
Is sunk so low, there cannot fall upon me
Alight worth my shunning. I will run the hazard :
She may be a means to nee distress'd Paulina —
Or, if ofiended, at the worst, to die
Is a fiill period to calamity. lEseunt,
ACT II.
SCENE I.— A Boom in Donusa's Palace,
Enter Carazie and Manto.
Car, In the name X)f wonder, Manto, what hath my
Done with herself, since yesterday ? [lady
Mant, 1 know not.
Malicious men report we are all guided
In our affections by a wandering planet ;
But such a sudden change in such a person,
May stand for an example, to confirm
Their false assertion.
England, begin at the Crotcbed Fryars, in London, about
tile broinuing of the migne of Queen Elizabeth, by one
Jacob Ycnaline, an Italian." Theie, I suspect, were not,
nice the genuine ones, true to the owners. There is an allu-
sion In this speech to a beautiful passage in Juvenal *
** nulla acomta bibuntw
Fictilihu* ; tunc ilia time, cum poeula tumes
Gemmata, et lato Setimtm ardehit in aura.** Sat z.
* A Utdjf to turn roarer, and break gUueee !] A roarer
was the cant term for what we now call a blusterer, or
bnUy. Thns Gaset, In the third act, says to Grimakli, in
his state of reformation,
Now, ytm do not roar, «<r.
Car, She's now pettish, froward ;
Music, discourse, observance, tedious to her.
Mant, She slept not the last night ; and yet pre-
vented
The rising sunt, in being up before him :
Call'd for a costly bath, then will'd the rooms
Should be perfumed ; ransack'd her cabinets
For her choice and richest jewels^, and i^ypears
now
* {Exeunt Mutta. and Don.] Nothing can exceed the
negligence with which the exits and entrances are marked
by Mr. M. Mason : in this place he gives a speech to the
Turks, after sending them off the stage I
t Mant. She ^ept not the last night ; and pet prevented
The rising «ifn,J Massinger explains himself: but the
expression is from the Psalms : " Mine eyef prevent the
night-watches.''
I For her choice aAd richest iewelt,] Thb b nodemlsed
by Coxeter and Mr. M. Mason, into choicest, Hc/I«af Jewels:
aithongh the frequent recurrence of the expression might
have taught them caution on the subject ; it is found again
In this very play :
" Adorned in her choice and richeet Jewels."
Act. V. sc iit
SC£N£ III.]
THE RENEGADO.
t«7
Like Cynthia in full gloiy, waited on
By the fairest of the stars.
Car. Can you {piess the reason.
Why the aga of the janizaries, and he
That guards the entrance of the inmost port.
Were call'd before hert
Mant. They are both her creatures.
And by her grace preferred : but I am ignorant
To what purpose tney were sent for.
Enter Donusa.
Cor. Here she comes,
FuU of sad thoughts : we must stand further off.
What a firown was that !
Mant. Forbear,
Car. I pity her. [self?
Don. What magic hath transformed me from my-
Where is my virgin pride ? how have I lost
My boasted* freedom ? what new fire burns up
My scorched entrails t what unknown desires
Invade, and take possession of my soul.
All virtuous objects vanish'd ? I, that have stood*
The shock of fierce temptations, stopp'd mine ears
Against all syren notes lust ever sung,
To draw my bark of chastity (that with wonder
Hath kept a constant and an honour *d course)
Into the gnlph of a deserved ill-fame.
Now fiUl unpitied ; and, in a moment.
With mine own hands, dig up a grave to bury
The monumental heap of all my years,
Employ'd in noble actions. O, my fate !
— But there is no resisting. I obey thee,
Imperums g^ of love, and willingly
Put mine own fetters on, to grace tny triumph :
'Twere, therefore, more than cruelty in tliee.
To use me like a tyrant. What poor means
Must I make use of now ; and flatter such.
To whom, till I betray'd my liberty,
One gracious look of mine would have erected
An altar to my service ! How now. Manto ! —
My ever careful woman ; and, Carazie,
Thou hast been faithful too.
Car. I dare not call
My life mine own, since it is yours, but gladly
Will part with it, whene'er you shall command me ;
And think I foil a martyr, so my death
M^ give life to your pleasures.
ManL But vouchsafe
To let me understand what you desire
Should be effected ; I will undertake it,
And curse myself for cowardice, if 1 paused
To ask a reason why.
Don. I am comforted
In the tender of your service, but shall be
Confirm*d in my full joys, in the performance.
Yet, trust me, I will not impose upon you
But what you stand engaged for to a mistress.
Such as I have been to you. All I ask,.
Is Mth and secrecy.
Car. Say but you doubt me.
And, to secure you. 111 cut out my tongue ;
I am libb'd in the breech already.
ManU Do not hinder
Yourself, by tibese delajrs.
* / that hate ttood, &c.] This fine speech, u it hath been
hitherto given in all the editions, is abtolate nonsense. I
have ventured to reform tlie pointing altogether, and to
insert that belbre ham, which is the greatest liberty I have
yet talien with tlie old copy.
Don, Thus then I whisper
Mine own shame to you. — O that I should blush
To speak what 1 so much desire to do !
And, further — \_Whitpert and um$ vehement action
Mant. Is this all ?
Don. Think it not base :
Although I know the ofiice undergoes
A coarse construction.
Car. Coarse \ 'tis but procuring ;
A smock employment, which has made more knights.
In a country I could name, than twenty years
Of service in the field.
Don. You have my ends. [wanting
Mant, Which say you have arrived at: be not
To yourself, and fear not us.
Car. I know my burthen ;
III bear it with delight.
Mant. Talk not, but do. VExeimt Car, and Mant.
Don. O love, what poor shifts thou dost force us
to! [ExU.
»
SCENE II.— i4 Court in the tame.
Enter Aga, Capiaga, and Janizaries.
Aga. She was ever our good mistress, and our
maker.
And should we check at a Uttle hazard for her^
We were unthankful.
Cap, I dare pawn my head,
'Tis some disguised mmion of the court, '
Sent from great Amurath, to learn from her
The viceroy's actions.
Aga, That concerns not us ;
His fall may be our rise : whate'er he be,
He passes Uirough my guards.
Cap. And mine — provided
He give the word.
Enter Vftelli.
Vitel. To faint now, being thus far, '
Would argue me of cowardice.
Aga. Stand : the word :
Or, being a Christian, to press thus far.
Forfeits thy life.
Vitel. Donusa.
Aga. Pass in peace. \Exeunt Aga and Janixariet,
Vitel. What a privilnge her name bears !
'Tis wondrous strange I If the great officer.
The guardian of the inner port, deny not —
Cap. Thy warrant : Speak, or thou art dead.
Vitel, Donusa.
Cap, That protects thee ;
Without fear enter. So : — discharge the watch.
[Eieunt Vitelli and Capiaga,
SCENE III. — An outer Room in the same.
Enter Carazie and Manto.
Car, Though he hath past the aga and chief porter,
This cannot be the man.
Mant, By her description,
I am sure it is.
Car, O women, women.
What are you ? A great lady dote upon
A harberdasher of small wares !
Mant, Pish ! thou hast none.
Car, No ; if I had, I might have served the turn :
This 'tis to want munition, when a man
Should make a breach, and enter.
128
THE RENEGADO.
[Act it.
Enter Vitelu,
MavU Sir, you are welcome :
Think what 'tis to be happy, and possess it
Car, Perfume the rooms there, and make way.
Let music
With choice notes entertain the man the princess
Now purposes to honour*.
ViuL I am raTish'd. [Extunt,
SCENE ly. A Room of State in the same. A table
tet forth f with jewels and bags upon it.
Loud music. Enter Donusa, (followed by Carazib,)
and takes Iter seat,
Don, Sing o*er the ditty that I last composed
Upon my lovesick passion : suit your voice
To the music that's placed yonder, we shall hear you
With more delight and pleasure.
Car, 1 obey you. [Song,
During the song, enter Manto and Vitelu.
Vitel, Is not this Tempe, or the blessed shades,
Where innocent spirits reside ? or do I dream,
And this a heavenly vision ? Howsoever,
It is a sight too glorious to behold,
For such a wretch as I am.
Car, He is daunted.
Mant, Speak to him, madam ; cheer him up, or you
Destroy what you have built.
Car, Woula I were furnish 'd
With his artillery, and if I stood
Gaping as he does, hang me. [Aside,
[Exeunt Carazie and Manto,
ViteL That I might
Ever dream thus ! [Krieels
Don, Banish amazement ;
You wake : your debtor tells you so, your debtor :
And, to assure you that I am a substance f.
And no aerial figure, thus I raise you.
Why do you shake ? my soft touch brings no ague :
No biting frost is in this palm ; nor are
My looks like to the Gorgon's head, that tum{
Men into statues ; rather they have power.
Or I have been abused, where they bestow
Their influence, (let me prove it truth in you,)
To give to dead men motion.
ViUl, Can this be?
May I believe my senses ? Dare I think
I have a memory, or that you are
* Car. Perftums the rooms there^ and make way. Let
mneic
With choice notes entertain the man, the princess
Now purposes to honoter.] These lines are tku« arranged
by CoKeler and Mr. M. Mason :
Car. Per^mte the rooms theret and make way.
Let msisic's choice notes entertain the man.
The princess now ptirposee to honour.
The reader may consider whether it was worth while to
sophisticate the old copy, for the sake of producing three
lines of barbarous prose.
t And, to assure ffou that / am n substance,] The omis-
sion of the article by Coxeler and Mr. M. Mason, utterly
destroys the metre.
t that turn] Mr. M. Mason reads, that turns : but
he mistakes the eovvrnment of the verb, which is nut Gor-
{\on's head, but tooits, as is suflTtciently clear from what fol-
ows. 1 must observe here, that Massinger is too apt, in
the words of honest Dogberry, to let hie writing and reading
anpear, when there is no need qf such vanity. Not only
Vitelli, but Donu«a an<l all her court appear as familiar with
the heathen mythology, as Ovid himseu.
That excellent creature that of late disdained not
To look on my poor trifles!
Don, I am she.
Vitel, The owner of that blessed name, Donusa,
Which, like a potent charm, although pronounced
By my profane, but much unworthier, tongue.
Hath brought me safe to this forbidden place.
Where Christian yet ne'er trod?
Don, I am the same.
ViteL And to what end, great lady — pardon me.
That 1 presume to ask, did your command
Command me hither? Or what am I, to whom
You should vouchsafe your favours; nay, your an-
If any wild or uncollected speech, [gers ?
Oflfensively deliver'd, or my doubt
Of your imknown perfections, have displeased you.
You wrong your indignation to pronounce,
Yourself, my sentence : to have seen you only.
And to have touch 'd that fortune-making hana.
Will with delight weigh down all tortures, that
A flinty hangman's rage could execute,
Or rigid tyranny command with pleasure.
Don, How the abundance of good flowing to thee.
Is wrong'd in this simplicity ! and these bounties.
Which ^1 our eastern kings have kneel 'd in vain for,
Do, by thy ignorance, or wilful fear.
Meet with a false construction ! Christian, know
(For till thou art mine by a nearer name.
That title, though abhorr'd here, takes not from
Thy entertainment) that 'tis not the fashion
Among the greatest and the fairest dames
This Turkish empire gladly owes* and bows to, ^
To punish where there's no oflfence, or nourish
Displeasures against those, without whose mercy
They part with all felicity. Prithee, be wise.
And gently understand me ; do not force her,
That ne'er knew aught but to command, nor e'er read
I'he elements of affection, but from such
As gladly sued to her, in the infancy
Of her new-bom desires, to be at once
Importunate and immodest.
Vitel, Did I know.
Great lady, your commands ; or, to what purpose
This periionated passion tends, (since 'twere
A crime in me deserving death, to think
It is your own,) I should, to make you sport.
Take any shape you please t' impose upon me ;
And with joy strive to serve you.
Don, Sport ! Thou art cruel,
If that thou canst interpret my descent
From my higli birth and greatness, but to be
A partf, in which I truly act myself:
And 1 must hold thee for a dull spectator.
If it stir not affection, and invite
Compassion for my sufferings. Be thou taught
By my example, to make satisfaction
For wrongs unjustly offer'd. Willingly
I do confess my fault ; I injured thee
In some poor petty trifles : thus I pay for
The trespass I did to thee. Here — receive
* This 7\trJHsh empire gladly owes and bows to,} thoagh
nothiug is mure common in our old writers, than the oae of
this word (owe) in the sense of possess, yet Coxeter and
Mr. M. Mason Invariably corrupt it into own. I have
alrea<1^ noticed this; and, for the Aitnre, shall content my-
self with silently restoring the genuine reading,
t but to be
A part, &€.] 1. e. to be nothing more than i fictitious cha-
racter ; alluding to his terming her passion peraontUed, or
played.
SCKHB v.]
THE RENEGADO.
129
These iMigs, sttiff *d iiill of oar imperial coin ;
Or, if this payment be too light, take here
The«e gems, for which the slavish Indian dives
To the bottom of the main : or, if thou scorn
These as base dross, which take but common minds,
But fancy any honour in my gift.
Which is unbounded as the sultan's power,
And be possest oft.
Vit§L I am overwhelmed
With the weight of happiness you throw upon me :
Nor can it fall in my imagination,
What wrong you e'er have done me*; and much
less
How, like a royal t merchant, to return
Your great magnificence.
Don. Thej are degrees.
Not ends, or my intended favours to thee.
These seeds of bounty I yet scatter on
A glebe I have not tried : — ^but, be thon thankful.
The harvest is to come.
Vittl What can be added
To that which I already have received,
I cannot comprehend.
Don, The tender of
MystUt Why dost thou start? and in that gill.
Full restitution of that virgin freedom
Which thou hast robb'd me of. Yet, I profess,
I so far prize the lovely thief that stole it.
That, were it possible thou couldst restore
What thou unwittingly hast ravish'd from me,
I should refuse the present.
rod. How I shake
In my constant resolution ! and my flesh.
Rebellions to my better part, now tells me.
As if it were a strong defence of frailty,
A hermit in a desert, trench *d with prayers.
Could not resist this battery.
Don, I'bou an Italian,
Nay more, I know't, a natural Venetian,
Such as are courtiers bom to please fair ladies.
Yet come thus slowly on.
ViteL Excuse me. madam :
What imputation soe*er the world
Is pleased to lay upon us, in myself
I am so innocent, that I know not what 'tis
That I should offer.
Don. By instinct I'll teach thee.
And with such ease as love makes me to ask it.
When a young lady wrings you by the hand, thus.
Or with an amorous touch presses yonr foot,
Looks babies in your eyes, plays with your locks.
Do not you find,' without a tutor's help.
What 'tui she looks for?
ViuL 1 am grown already
Skilful in the mystery.
Don. Or, if thus she kiss you.
Then tastes your lips again
I * What wrong yoa t'er have done me ;] The old copy
reads, H'Aol wrong I e'er tune done you. This trauspori-
tioo uC pronoons, for vhich I am answerable, seems abso-
lutely necessary to make seose of the passage.
^ How, like a royal mereluint, to return
Yowr groat tMgidlftcenioe^ We are not to imagine tbe word
royal to be only a ranting epithet. In the thirteenth ccn-
lary, the VenetLans were masters of the sea ; the Sanados,
the Jnstinlani, the GrimaUi, &c., all MMvAonf*, erected
j priacipidities in several pluces of the Archipelago, (which
their descendants enjoyed for many generations,) and
thereby becaine tmly 4nd properly royo/ nwfvAafif « .* which,
indeed, was the title generally givea them all over £nrup«.
WAasi;aToii.
1
Viitl, That latter blow
Has beat all chaste thoughts from me.
Don. Say, she points to
Some private room tbe sunbenms never enter.
Provoking dishes passiug by, to lieighten
Declined appetite, active music ushering
Your fainlmg steps, the waiters too, as bom dumb.
Not daring to look on you.
\Jc!.x%i^ inoiting him tflJoUttw,
ViteL Though the devil
Stood by, and roar'd, I follow ; Now I find
That virtue's but a word, and no sure guard,
If set upon by beauty and reward. [Exit.
SCENE v.— >4 Hall in Asambeo's Home,
Enter Aga, Capiaga, Grimaldi, Master, Boatswain,
Gild others,
Aga. The devil's in him, I think.
Grim. Let him be damn'd too.
I'll look on him, thou^rh he stared as wild as hell ;
Nay, I'll go near* to tell him to his teeth,
If he mends not suddenly, and proves more thankful,
W^e do him too much service. Were't not for shame
I could turn honest, and forswear my trade : [now.
Which, next to being truss 'd up at the maiuyard
By some low country butterboz, I hate
As deadly as 1 do fasting, or long grace
When meat cools on the table.
Cap. But take heed ;
You know his violent nature.
Grim. Let his whores
And catamites know't; I understand myself.
And how unmanly 'tis to sit at home,
And rail at us, that run abroad all hazards,
If every week we bring not home new pillage.
For the fatting his st^raglio.
Enur AsAMBEo and MusTAPHAf.
Aga, Here he comes.
Cap. How terrible he looks !
Grim, To such as fear him.
The viceroy, Asambeg ! were he the sultan's self.
He'll let us know a reason for his fury,
Or we roust take leave, without his allowance.
To be merry with our ignorance.
A$am, Mahomet's hell
Light on you all ! You crouch and cringe now : —
VNhere
Was the terror of my just frowns, when you
suffer'd
Those thieves of Malta, almost in our harbour.
To board a ship, and bear her safely off.
While you stood idle lookers on ]
Aga, The odds
In the men and shipping, and the suddeimess
Of their departure, yielding us no leisure
To send forth others to relieve our own,
Deterr'd us, mighty sir.
• A'ay, I'll go near to tell him to Ma teeth.] This is a
colloquial phrase, and means, J am not unlikeipt J will not
eeruple murht to tell him to hb teeth ;~thc modern editors,
comprehending neither the sense nor the measure of the
line, read.
Nap, ril go neaivr to teU him to hit teeth !
t JEni«r AsAMBKO and M cstapha.J Mr. M. Mason reads.
Enter Aeambeg, Mustapha, and Agal Did not the cor-
rectest of all editors observe that he had inarketl the en-
trance of the aga a few lines above t It is tme, Coxeter
has the same direction, hot this is no excuse for one whofee
sole pretence to credit is the reformation of his errors.
K
130
THE REXEOADO,
(Act II.
Olefin. Deterr'd you, cownrd* !
How dun^t you only etiterfiiiii the knowltnlgo
Of what fetir wa*, but iu thp not p«*rfomiiance
Of our conirnaiid ? In mp preiit Amurath spuke;
My voice did eoho to your eur* \i\^ tbuniler.
And will'd you. like so many s^^ii-boni triToni,
Ami'd onlv with the inimpets of vour cour&g^,
To sHim up to her, aii<l, like rt^morus*
Hiin^ing upon hvr keel, to »tay hrr flif^ht,
Till rescue, sent from ua, fand fHch'd yuu ufF.
You think you're siife now, Wlio cluriC but dis-
pute it,
Or mtke it questionable, if, this moment.
I charged you, (nun van htui|:;in|j; clift, that glasses
His rug^ged forchinid iu the tif^i^rlihouring' lake,
To thrcjw youn^lveidowij hcndhmg ? or, like ftiggotii.
To fill the ditcbf<ji of defendeil furts,
\ While on your bucks w« miircli'd up to the breach f
Grim, Thttt would not I.
A»im, Hit !
Grim. Yet I dare as muclj
As any of the Hultan*ft boldest sons,
Whose henven Hud hell bang on hi^i frown or smile,
Hia vrarlike jnni^ariesi,
Aattn. Add one syllable more.
Thou dost pronounce y[Kjn thyself a sentence
That, enrChquoke-hke, will awullow thee»
Grim, Let it u[xe<n,
I'll Hiand the hiizurd ; ihojie contHTiuied fhieveg,
Your feliow -pirates, sir, the hold .Mnlt^'i***.
Whom with your looks you think to quelLtit Rhodes
Ljiut;bM at p^reat Solytnaii*^ tujgor : und, if trcaaon
Ilml not delivcTfd them into his power,
lltt hud grown old in glory as in venrs.
At that so fnhd siesfp ; or risen with shame,
His hopes tind threats dtjlud«d,
Amm. Our great prophet !
How have I lost my anger and my power I
Grim, Find it, and use it on thy fl^itterfrs,
And not upon thv friends, lliat dure »penk truth,
Theae knigrhtJi ot iMalta, but a htindful to
Your armies, that drinkf rivers up, Imivh stood
Your fury at the hfight, and with iht-ir cro»A<*a
Struck pole your horned mo<m.H): ^ theAemcn of Malta,
Since I took pay from you, I've mi^t and foug^ht witli,
Ujjon advantajre too; yet, to apt'uk truth,
By the soul of honour, I hare ever found tliem
As provident to direct, and bold to do,
As any train *d up in your discipline,
RavishM from other nations.
Mtata. I perceive
The lijflituing^ in Uis fiery looks ^ the cloud
Is broke arr«ady.
Grim. Think not, iharefore, air»
* Hke remtiriA
MasnffiHfi Uiiim her tuvl,]— lit mnn l« * fldi, W kiiKl of
worm th«t itUk* ki «lilpt und retards \\iv\r pM^^gv tlinvit^h
lite w*ter.— An citcvlkiii UltiHraiiutt occutt in iiiMJiur «
All •«"i|Jiiol> Jllrn- I l*»vc HMtu Itrt ktfh
A liUli* rt*li ihiir mm mhU rrrnarat
U'hicli »roji.t Iw^r cotiMc, iitu\ lull! hrr by the keete
That V) Utile nor iuie cuitlrt ifi«i%c her h«tice )tw<tv.
FaI
t Ytmr arfnifUh4it ^Uink riprrwttp,} Itijottkiouily Mttcred
by Mr. M. M 4»(m» lit tirank river* ap.
1 ofut with fhfir tru*sf«
»yff*n'4 ftiiU jftntr ht.rnnl rnufjij* ■] This rt«](iat i|lln»loti Iu
tha \m\iT*ft of llv Mnliivc ntv) Turkiih ManH^ntv If iJcao-
tlflill^ vnrlr.t In The Knight f\f Mi\lui, bv I'litclier:
** AUil ntl ilnlr •i1v4-r Cft9is.-ni% t«it'n I mw,
XtWv fftllruj; iretPMn •prnt^ mtit icl t^t t'vtr
tinder X\\t crw* of WuHa/*
That you alone are gianta, and such pigmfM
You war ujjon.
Amm. Villain \ HI make thee know
Thou hast blaspbemed theOthoman power* and safer
At noonday, inigbt'st have gh-^en fire to St. Mark's,
Your proud Venetian tfnjplt^, — Seiie upon him ;
1 am not ao n^iar reconciled »o him,
To hid him die ; thfit were A benefit
The dog's unworthy cif. To our u»e Gonfiarate
All that he stands pos<««>ss'd of; let him taate
The misery of want, and his vain riots,
Like to so many walking ghosts, affright him
Where'er lit? sets his defi}>erute foot. Who is't
That dop9 commimd you T
Grim, Is thJ!i tlio reward
For all my ft**nrice, and the rape I made
On fair Piuilina !
yJnum. Dmg him hence :— he dies,
That dallies but a mmute.
[Grimtitiit ii draffg'd off, hti head cavfrtd,
Bmtm\ What's become of
Our shares now, ma.ster?
Mast. Would lie hud b^'en bnru dumb !
The beggar'tt curt, paiiemr*, in all thnt's led U3<
[Kirnni Matter and Bttutiimiin,
Muttat Twas but intempHrance of speech, excuse
het mt* pr«»vjul so far. Fame gives him out [him ;
For a deserving fellow.
Amm. At Aleppo,
I durst not pre?*s you so far : give me leave
To use my own will, and com mat id in iunis ;
And. if you plni^e, my privacy.
Mnxttt. I will see voii,
Whfu ihfs hii{h wind's blown o*er, [£j|£.
Amm, So shall you find nw
Ready to do you service. Hage, now leaive me ;
Stern lookii, and all die ri'r*'mniuf»us forms
Attending on dread majesty, fly from
Transformed Astuubeg* Why abould I hug
[PulU out a hiy.
So near my heart, what lends m© to my prison;
Wh«re she thm is iiitliraird, commands her ti<>eper,
And robfiK me of the fit^rceness I was "born with !
Stout men quake at my frowns, and in return
I tremble at her softness. Base Grimaldi
lint only mimed Pntilina, and the cbarm
Had almost clioak'd my fury, ere I could [her,
Pronounce hit aentenre. Would, when first I saw
Aline eyes hnd met with lightning, and in place
Of hearing lier fiit-huntinig tongue, the shnt*k»
Of mandrakes had madt? mUMic to my slumbers f
For now I only walk n loving dream.
And, but to imy diahooour, never wake;
And yet am blind, but when I see the object.
And madly dote on it. Appear, bnght apark
[O/wai a door ; Paulina comnftnih.
Of all [>erfection ' any simile
Borrow'd from diamonds, or the fairest stars,
To help me to express how dear I prise
1 by uiimatch'd graces, will rise tip and chide roe
For poor detraction.
Ptiui. I despuie tliy flaUedes :
Tbns spit at tbetn and soom them ; and being itnii*d
In the assurance of my innocent virtue,
I slamp upon all doubts, all feiu^s. all tortures.
Thy bnrburous cruelty, or, what's worse, thy dotage,
The worthy pnr^iit of iJiy jea lousy.
Can shower u{)on roe.
Aiam. If tbea* biCtor taunts
SCFNB VI.]
THE RENEGADO.
131
Rarisb me from myself, and make me think
My greedy ears receive angelical sounds ;
How would this tongue, tuned to a loving note
Invade, and take possession of my soul,
Which then I durst not call my own !
PouL Thou art false.
Falser than thy religion. Do but think me
Something above a beast, nay more, a monster
Would flight the sun to look on, and then tell me.
If this base usage can invite affection T
If to be mewed up, and excluded from
Human society ; the use of pleasures ;
The necessary, not superfluous, duties
Of servants to discharge those offices
I blush to name —
Asam, Of servants ! Can you think
That I, that dare not trust the eye of heaven
To look upon your beauties ; that deny
Myself the happiness to touch your pureness,
Will e'er consent an eunuch, or bought handmaid,
Shall once approach you ? — There is something in
That can work miracles, or I am cozen 'd, [you
Dispose and alter sexes, to my wrong.
In spite of nature. I will be your nurse,
Your woman, your physician, and your fool ;
Till, with your free consent, which I have vow*d
Never to force, you grace me with a name
That shall supply all these.
PauL What is it?
Aaam, Your husband.
PauL My hangman when thou pleasest.
A$am, Thus I guard me
Against your further angers — [Leadt her to the door,
PauL Which shall reach thee,
Though I were in the centre.
[Atambeg clotet the door upon her, and loeki it,
Asam, Such a spirit.
In such a small proportion, I ne*er read of.
Which time must alter : Ravish her I dare not ;
llie magic that she wears about her neck,
I think, defends her : — this devotion paid
To this sweet saint, mistress of my sour pain,
'TIS fit I take mine own rough shape again. [Ex't.
SCENE VI.— il Street near Donusa's Palace.
Enter Frakciscx) and Gazet.
Fran, I think he*% lost.
Gat, 'Tis ten to one of that ;
I ne'er knew citizen turn courtier yet.
But he lost his credit, though he saved himself.
Why, look you, sir, there are so many lobbies.
Out-offices, and dispartations here*.
Behind these Turkish hangings, that a Christian
Hardly gets off but circumcised.
Enter Vitklli ridily habited, Carazis, and Mavto.
Fran 1 am troubled.
Troubled exceedingly. Ha ! what are these ?
* Out-qficee, and dhpartations here,] I have already
observed that there is bat one edition of this play, which
read.4 in thii plare, dispute actiene : the error wai detected
at the preM, and exchanged onfortonately for another, diepu-
tatumef which is the reading of Coxeter and Mr. M. Maaun.
I have examined teveral copies, bnt can find no farther cor-
rection: diepartoHone, which is here adopted, is the con-
jectoral amendment of Mr. Davies, who sajs, that it sig-
nifies *' separate apnrtments ;" if it be so, it is wlU ; at any
rate it is belter than the old reading, which signifies nothing.
An ingenious fHend, to whom I shewed the passage, is in-
clined to think that the genuine word was di9parati(m», frum
the Latii^ diaporala.— I leave the whole to the reader.
Gas, One, by his rich suit, should be some French
ambasrador ;
For his train, I think they are Turks.
Fran. Peace ! be not seen. [cover'd.
Car, You are now past all the guards, and undis-
You may return.
ViteL There's for your pains : forget not
My humblest service to the best of ladies.
Mant, Deserve her favour, sir, in making haste
For a second entertainment.
[Exeunt Caratie and Manto,
ViteL Do not doubt me ;
I shall not live till then.
Gaz. The train is vanish'd :
They have done him some good office, he's so free
And liberal of his gold. Ha ! do I dream,
Or is this mine own natural master 1
Fran, "Tis he :
But strangely metamorphosed. You have made, sir,
A prosperous voyage ; heaven grant it be honest,
I shall rejoice then too.
Gaz. You make him blush.
To talk of honesty : you were but now
In the giving vein, and may think of Gazet,
Your worship's 'prentice.
ViuL There's gold : be thou free too,
And master of my shop, and all the wares
We brought from Venice.
Gaz. Rivo, then* !
ViteL Dear sir,
This place affords not privacy for discourse ;
But I can tell you wonders ; my rich habit
Deserves least admiration ; there is nothing
lliat can fall in the compass of your wishes.
Though it were to redeem a thousand slaves
From the Turkish galleys, or, at home, to erect
Some pious work, to shame all hospitals.
But I am master of the means.
Fran. 'Tis strange.
ViteL As I walk, I'll tell you more.
Gas. Pray you, a word, sir ;
And then I will put on. I have one boon more*
ViuL What is't? speak freely.
Gas. Thus thent : As I am master
Of your shop and wares, pray you, help me to some
trucking
Witk your laai ahe-^uptf sr ; tlMogh she crack my
best piece,
I will endure it with patience.
ViteL Leave your prating.
Gas. I may : you have been doing, we will do too.
Fran. I am amazed, yet will not blame nor chide
you.
Till you inform me further : yet must savi
They steer not the right course, nor traffic well.
That seek a passage to reach heaven through hell.
l^Exeunt,
* Gag. Rivo, then!] This interjection CcormpCed, I sup-
pose, from the Spanish riot which is figuratively used for a
large quantity of liquor) is frequently introduced by our
old poets, and generally as an incitement to boisterous mirth
and revelry.
tGa». 'J hut then: At I am moMier, Ac] This poor ri-
baldry is introduced to ** set on some quantity of barren
spectators to laugh," and 'tis to be regretted, for the rest of
the act has a vein of genuine poetry running through it,
which would not debase the noblest compositions or the
tinier. I suppose Mas5inger'8 excuse must be that of a
much greater man, ate vivUur,
a 2
13«
THE RENEGADO.
[Act 111.
ACT III.
SCENE T.— ^ Room in Donusa'g Palace,
Enter Donusa and Makto.
Don. When said he he would come again?
Mant. He swore,
Short minutes should he tedious agres to him,
Until the tender of his second service :
So much he seem'd transported with the first.
X Don. I am sure I was. I charge thee, Manto, tell
By all my favours and my bounties, truly, [me,
Whether thou art a virgin, or, like me,
riast forfeited that name ?
Mant. A virgin, madam*,
At|my years ! being a waiting-woman, and in court
That were miraculous. I so long since lost [too !
That barren burthen, I almost forget
That ever I was one.
Don. And could thy friends
Read in thy face, thy maidenhead gone, that thou
Hadst parted with it ?
Mant, No, indeed : I past
For current many years after, till, by fortune.
Long and continued practice in the sport
Blew up my deck ; a husband then was found out
By my mdulgent father, aiid to the world
All was made whole again. What need you fear, then.
That, at your pleasure, may repair your honour,
Durst any envious or malicious tongue
Preaume to taint it ?
Enter Carazie.
Don. How now ?
Car. Madam, the basha
Humbly desires access.
Don, If it had been
My neat Italian, thou hadst met my wishes.
Tell him we would be private.
Car. So I did.
But he is much importunate.
Mant. Best dispatch him ;
His lingering here else will deter the other
From making bis approach.
Don. His entertainment
^hall not invite a second visit. Go ;
Say we are pleased.
Enter Mustapha.
Mutt, All happiness
Don. Be sudden.
'Twas saucy rudeness in you, sir, to press
On my retirements ; but ridiculous folly
To waste the time, that might be better spent,
In complimental wishes.
Car, There's a cooling
For his hot encounter.
Don. Come you here to iftare ?
If you have lost your tongue, and use of speech.
Resign your goremment ; there's a mute's place void
In my uncle's court, I hear ; and you may work me
To write for your preferment.
*it vimfn, madam, Ac] Manto had been atndylng mo-
draty io Thtt Maid's Tragedy, from which too mach of tbii
accne b borrowed. Id the condosioo, aa Daviea remarks,
there la an allaaion to Qaartilla : Jtmonem meam iratam
habeam, •< vmqmim me meminerim virginem /kiime.
Mutta. This is strange !
I know not, madam, what neglect of mine
Has call'd this sconi upon me.
Don. To the purpose—
My will's a reason, and we stand not bound
To yield account to you.
Mutta. Not of your angers :
But with erected ears I should hear from you
The story of your good opinion of me.
Confirm 'd by love and favours.
Don. How deserved ?
I have considered you from head to foot.
And can find nothing in that wainscot face.
That can teach me to dote ; nor am I taken
With your grim aspect, or tadpole-lile complexion.
Those scars you glory in, I fear to look on ;
And had much rather hear a merry tale.
Than all your bHttles won with blood and sweat.
Though you belch forth the stink too in the service,
And swear by your mustachios all is true. [sicr.
You are yet too rough for me : purge and take phy-
Purchase perfumers, get me some French tailor
To new-create you ; the first shape you were made
with • [too.
Is quite worn-out : let^ your barber wash your face
You look yet like a bugbear to fright children ;
Till when I take my leave. — Wait me, Carazie.
[Exeunt Donusa and Carazie.
Mutta. Stay you, my lady's cabinet-key.
Mant, How's this, sir? [else.
Musta. Stay, and stand quietly, or you shall fall
Not to firk your belly up, flounder-like, but never
To rise again. Offer but to unlock [me,)
These doors that stop your fugitive tongue, (observe
And, by my fury, I'll fix there this bolt
[Drawt h't teimitar.
To bar thy speech for ever. So ! be safe now ;
And but resolve me, not of what I doubt.
But bring assurance to a thing believed,
1 hou makest tliyself a fortune ; not depending
On the uncertain favours of a mistress,
But art thyself one. I'll not so far question
My judgment and observance, as to ask
Why I am slighted and contemn d ; but in
Whose favour it is done. I that have read
The copious volumes of all women's falsehood,
Commented on by the heart-breaking groans
Of abused lovers ; all the doubts wash'd off
With fruitless tears, the spider's cobweb veil
Of arguments alleged in their defence,
Blown off with sighs of desperate men ; and they
Appearing in tlieir full deformity :
Know, that some other hath displanted me,
Witli her dishonour. Has she given it up 1
Confirm it in two S3fllables.
Mant. She has.
Mutta. 1 cherish thy confession thus, and thus ;
[Gtvff her jewels.
Be mine. Again I court thee thus, and thus ;
Now prove but constant to my ends.
Mant. By all [crocodiles,
Mutta. Enough ; I dare not doubt thee. O land
Made of Egy-ptian slime, accursed women ;
Bat 'tis no time to rail — come, my best Manto.
[Exeunt.
SCEMB II.]
THE REN EG ADO.
133
SCENE II.— J Street.
Enter Vitelli mid Francisco.
ViteL Sir, as you are my confessor, you stand Y>ound
Not to repeal whatever I discover
In that religious way : nor dare I doubt you.
Let it suffice you have made me see my follies,
And wrought, perhaps, compu action ; for I would not
Appear an hypocrite. But, when you impose
A penance on me beyond flesh and blood
To undergo, you must instruct me how
To put off the condition of a man ;
Or, if not pardon, at the least, excuse
My disobedience. Yet, despair not, sir :
For, though I take mine own way, I shall do
Something that may hereafter, to my glory.
Speak me your scholar.
Fran, I enjoin you not
To go, but send.
ViteL That were a petty trial ;
Not worth one, so long taught and exercised
Under so grave a master. Reverend Francisco,
My friend, my father, in that word, my all ;
Rest confident you shall hear something of me,
That will redeem me in your good opinion.
Or judge me lost for ever. Send Gazet
(She shall give order that he may have entrance)
To acquaint you with my fortunes. [Exit,
Fran. Go, and prosper.
Holy saints guide and strengthen thee ! however,
As thy endeavours are, so may they find
Gracious acceptance.
Entfr Gazet, and Grimaldi in ragt*.
Gas. Now, you do not roar, sir ;
You speak not tempests, nor take ear-rent from
A poor shopkeeper. Do you remember that, sir ?
I wear your marks here still.
Fran. Can this be possible ?
AD wonders are not ceased then.
Grimi, Do, abuse me,
Smt on me, spurn m?, pull me by the nose,
Thrust out these fier/ eyes, that yesterday
Would have look'd th^ dead.
Gas. O save me. sir !
Grim. Fear nothing.
I am tame and ouiet ; there's no wrong can force me
To remember wnat I was. I have forgot
1 e'er had ireful fierceness, a steel'd heart,
Insensible of compassion to others ;
Nor is it fit that 1 should think myself
Worth mine own pity. Oh !
Fran. Grows this dejection
From his disgrace, do you say ?
Gau Why, he's cashier d. sir ;
His ships, his goods, his livery-punks, confiscate :
And there is such a punishment laid upon him ! —
The miserable rogue must steal no more.
Nor drink, nor drab.
Fran. Does that torment him 1
Gas. O, sir,
Should the sute take order to bar men of acres
From these two laudable recreations.
Drinking and whoring, how should panders purchase.
* Enter Oaut, and GaiMALOi in rage.] Mr. M. If aton
reads, Entgr GoMet and Grimaldi, in rag; Bat Gaict bad
jMt been enriched bv hb matter, and, as he says himBeir,
was in proaperooa drcnmsiancca. It moat be as I have
given it flrom the old a>|>y.
Or thrifty whores build hospitals ? 'Slid ! if I,
That, since I am made free, may write myself
A city gallant, should forfeit two such charters,
I should be stoned to death and ne'er be pitied
By the liveries of those companies.
Fran, VouH be u bipt, sir,
If you bridle not your tongue. Haste to the palace.
Your master looks for you.
^ Gat, My quondam master.
Rich sons forget they ever had poor fathers ;
In servants 'tis more pardonable : as a companion.
Or so, I may consent : but is there hope, sir,
He has got me a good chapwoman ? pray you write
A word or two in my behalf.
Fran. Out, rascal I
Gat, I feel some insurrections.
Fran. Hence !
Gat. I vanish. {Exit.
Grim. Why sliould I study a defence or comfort.
In whom black guilt and misery, if balanced,
I know not which would turn the scale ? look upward
I dare not ; for, should it but be believed
That I, died deep in hell's most horrid colours.
Should dare to hope for mercy, it would leave
No check or feeling in men innocent.
To catch at sins the devil ne er taught mankind yet.
No ! I must downward, downward ; though repent-
ance
Could borrow all the glorious wings of grace.
My mountainous weight of sins would crack their
And sink them to hell with me. [pinions,
Fran, Dreadful ! Hear me.
Thou miserable man.
Grim, Good sir, deny not
But that there is no punishment beyond
Damnation.
Enter Master and Boatswain.
Matter, Yonder he is ; I pity him. [serve you.
Boatsw. Take comfort, captain ; we live stiu to
Grim, Serve me ! I am a devil already : leave me —
Stand further off, you are blasted else ! I have heard
Schoolmen affirm* man's body is composed
Of the four elements ; and, as in league together
They nourish life, so each of them affords
Liberty to tlie soul, when it grows weary
Of this fleshy prison. Which shall I make choice of?
The fire ? not ; I shall feel that hereafter.
The earth will not receive me. Should some whirl-
Snatch me into the air, and I hang there, [wind
Perpetual plagues would dwell upon ihe earth;
And those superior bodies, that pour down
Their cheerful influence, deny to pass it.
Through those vast regions 1 have infected.
The sea? ay, that is justice : there I plough 'd up
Mischief as deep as hell : there, there, I'll hide^
1 his cursed lump of clay. May it turn rocks.
- / have heard
Schoolmen affirm man's body is compoeed
Of the four element*;] Grimaldi and Sir Toby had
evidently studied under the same masters : the latter Intro-
daces his philosophy more naturally^ bnt the grave applica-
tion of it by the former, is an improvement. Serionyly, the
conclusion of this speech is very nuble.
f The fire T no ;] Fire must be read as a dissyllable ; I
suspect, however, that there was uiigindlly an iutcrjection
befoie nOf which was dropt at the preM.
: there, there 77/ hide] Mr. M. Mason omits the
second there, which is absolutely necessary to the comple-
tion of the verse.
I
Where pluramffi'a weigh r coiilH n<»vprri»ach the sands.
And priTid rhe ribKotalJ Mich burks as jifuss
'Hie ocpnn*» brensl in my imltm ful coufs»" !
I hastH tlifti to tJni'« ; let lliV ruvi'iioii4 WoiTih,
Whom all I lungs dse deny, b** now my tomb I
[ El it.
Mast